Legendary fast bowler Waqar Younis has set the cricketing world abuzz with a series of candid, rapid-fire selections that underscore his high regard for Indian cricketing excellence. In a recent appearance on the Shubhankar Mishra Podcast, the former Pakistan captain and pace icon was tasked with comparing some of the most illustrious names to have ever graced the India-Pakistan cricketing rivalry. His responses, characterized by an objective assessment of player impact, saw him heavily favor Indian icons over his own compatriots.
The segment, which functioned as a deep dive into the historical and modern landscape of South Asian cricket, saw Waqar navigate through a gauntlet of difficult choices. While known for his fierce competitive spirit during his playing days, the “Burewala Express” proved to be a pragmatic analyst when evaluating the resumes of the two nations’ greatest stars.
The Verdict on Legends: Sachin, Kohli, and Dhoni
Perhaps the most telling aspect of the interview was Waqar’s refusal to let national bias dictate his choices. When presented with the comparison between Sachin Tendulkar and Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former pacer did not hesitate to crown the “Master Blaster.” Similarly, when asked to choose between the modern-day titans, Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, Waqar unequivocally sided with the Indian maestro, Kohli.
The scrutiny extended to the greatest finishers of the game as well. Tasked with choosing between MS Dhoni and the legendary Javed Miandad, Waqar leaned toward the former Indian captain. He provided a grounded, statistical reasoning for his choice: “I guess MS Dhoni has won more matches in his career, and in terms of finishing, while Javed bhai has certainly done it, I will pick Dhoni.”
Modern Pace and Strategic Superiority
The dominance of Indian players in Waqar’s picks continued into the modern era of the sport. In a head-to-head comparison of elite fast bowlers, Waqar chose India’s Jasprit Bumrah over Pakistan’s spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi. He also preferred the tactical and seam-bowling consistency of Mohammed Shami over the explosive left-arm capabilities of Mohammad Amir.
The pattern continued across various roles on the field. Rohit Sharma was favored over Fakhar Zaman, and the elegant VVS Laxman was selected over Misbah-ul-Haq. In total, the rapid-fire session highlighted a clear preference for the high-pressure performance records held by the Indian squad members.
Saeed Anwar: The Lone Exception
While the Indian stars dominated the conversation, there was one notable instance where Waqar stood firmly in the corner of Pakistan cricket. When pitted against the destructive Indian opener Virender Sehwag, Waqar selected the grace and technical mastery of the late Saeed Anwar. This choice served as a reminder of the immense respect the former Pakistan skipper holds for the elegant left-handed opener who redefined opening batting for his nation in the 1990s.
Caution Regarding the Future
The session also touched upon the future of the sport. Waqar was asked to weigh in on the potential of two young talents: India’s 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Pakistan’s 20-year-old prospect Sameer Minhas. Demonstrating the wisdom of a veteran analyst, Waqar refrained from making a definitive call.
“I haven’t watched them enough to make a choice,” he noted, emphasizing that he prefers informed evaluation over speculation. This caution comes as Sooryavanshi continues to make headlines. After a quiet debut in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, the youngster bounced back emphatically in the third T20I, smashing 45 runs off just 19 balls to help India secure a series-clinching victory.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on these comparisons, the spotlight in India shifts back to the upcoming international calendar. With the T20I series against New Zealand behind them, the Men in Blue are bracing for a five-match ODI series, followed by a two-Test set. Virat Kohli, whom Waqar lauded during the podcast, is set to headline the ODI squad, with the first clash scheduled for November 4 in Auckland.
Waqar Younis’s choices, while likely to spark debate among passionate fans on both sides of the border, serve as a testament to the sheer quality of the rivalries he witnessed during his illustrious career. By prioritizing sustained impact and match-winning pedigree, the former Pakistan leader provided an insightful, if surprising, assessment of what makes a true cricketing great.
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