Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan, who played a crucial role in India’s 2011 World Cup-winning campaign, recently revealed his list of the top five ODI bowlers of all time. Surprisingly, his selection did not include Jasprit Bumrah, one of India’s most successful modern-day pacers.
Instead, Zaheer picked a mix of legendary bowlers from across generations, including two Pakistani pace icons. The five bowlers who made his list are:
✅ Wasim Akram (Pakistan)
✅ Glenn McGrath (Australia)
✅ Waqar Younis (Pakistan)
✅ Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka)
✅ Dale Steyn (South Africa)
Why Wasim Akram Tops Zaheer Khan’s List?
While discussing his selections on Cricbuzz, Zaheer praised Wasim Akram’s versatility, highlighting his ability to swing the ball both ways, his lethal yorkers, and his strategic use of angles.
“Wasim Akram was impactful in this format with his variations—those yorkers, going around the wicket, over the wicket, and using those slow ones. In this format, he’s had a huge impact.”
📊 Wasim Akram’s ODI Record:
- Matches: 356
- Wickets: 502
- Economy: 3.89
- Best Bowling Figures: 5/15
Akram remains the highest wicket-taking left-arm pacer in ODI history and the first bowler to cross the 500-wicket milestone.
Glenn McGrath: The Master of Accuracy
Zaheer also picked Australian legend Glenn McGrath, who was renowned for his pinpoint accuracy and consistency.
“With the accuracy he had, the simplicity in the action, that extra bounce, and his impact with the new ball, it was something very evident throughout his career.”
📊 Glenn McGrath’s ODI Record:
- Matches: 250
- Wickets: 381
- Economy: 3.88
- Best Bowling Figures: 7/15
McGrath was a key force behind Australia’s World Cup dominance, playing a crucial role in their 1999, 2003, and 2007 World Cup victories.
Waqar Younis: The Yorker King & Strike Rate Specialist
Another Pakistani great, Waqar Younis, also made Zaheer’s list, mainly due to his aggressive, wicket-taking mindset.
“You talk about the strike rate, you talk about the impact—Waqar’s numbers are right up there. The number of five-wicket hauls (13) he took in ODIs is phenomenal. He wasn’t afraid to go for runs, and that mindset is something modern-day bowlers should learn from.”
📊 Waqar Younis’ ODI Record:
- Matches: 262
- Wickets: 416
- Strike Rate: 30.5
- Best Bowling Figures: 7/36
Waqar was a master of reverse swing and one of the fastest bowlers of his era, consistently troubling batsmen with his toe-crushing yorkers.
Chaminda Vaas: Sri Lanka’s Powerplay Specialist
Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas was another name on Zaheer’s list, recognized for his exceptional new-ball skills and unerring accuracy.
“Chaminda Vaas was impactful with the new ball. In subcontinental conditions, his accuracy and ability to swing the ball both ways made him a key bowler. He gave his team control with consistency.”
📊 Chaminda Vaas’ ODI Record:
- Matches: 322
- Wickets: 400
- Best Bowling Figures: 8/19 (Best ODI figures by a pacer)
Vaas remains Sri Lanka’s highest wicket-taker among pacers and holds the record for the best bowling figures (8/19) in ODI history.
Dale Steyn: The Modern-Day Pace Terror
The final name on Zaheer’s list was South Africa’s Dale Steyn, a bowler known for his explosive pace, lethal outswingers, and match-winning ability.
“Steyn’s fiery approach, his fast outswingers, and his ability to get through the crease quickly made him a constant threat.”
📊 Dale Steyn’s ODI Record:
- Matches: 125
- Wickets: 196
- Best Bowling Figures: 6/39
Though Steyn played fewer ODIs compared to others on the list, his impact was undeniable, often delivering in high-pressure matches.
Why No Jasprit Bumrah? Zaheer’s Surprising Omission
Zaheer Khan’s decision to exclude Jasprit Bumrah from his list has sparked discussions among cricket fans. Many believe that Bumrah’s impact in ODIs, especially in World Cups and crunch matches, warrants a place among the greatest bowlers.
📊 Jasprit Bumrah’s Current ODI Record (as of 2024):
- Matches: 89
- Wickets: 149
- Economy: 4.55
- Best Bowling Figures: 6/19
Bumrah’s strengths include:
✅ Exceptional death bowling skills
✅ Deadly yorkers, reminiscent of Waqar Younis
✅ Unpredictable variations & pinpoint accuracy
Zaheer’s selection seems to prioritize overall ODI careers, rather than just modern-day greats. If Bumrah continues his dominance, he could eventually surpass some of the legends on this list.
The Greatest ODI Bowlers Debate
Zaheer Khan’s top-5 ODI bowlers list reflects a mix of class, consistency, and match-winning abilities across different eras.
📌 Zaheer Khan’s Final List:
✅ Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – The most complete left-arm pacer
✅ Glenn McGrath (Australia) – The definition of accuracy
✅ Waqar Younis (Pakistan) – The reverse-swing master
✅ Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – The powerplay specialist
✅ Dale Steyn (South Africa) – The modern-day pace machine
🚀 Honorable Mentions:
📌 Jasprit Bumrah (India) – Arguably India’s greatest ODI pacer, but his career is still ongoing.
📌 Shaun Pollock (South Africa) – One of the most economical bowlers in ODI history.
📌 Brett Lee (Australia) – One of the fastest bowlers ever, a key figure in Australia’s dominance.
What Do You Think?
Who is your greatest ODI bowler of all time? Should Jasprit Bumrah have made Zaheer’s list? Let us know in the comments! 🚀🔥
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