Pakistan's rising star, Ihsanullah, has made headlines with his bold claims regarding the comparative prowess of ace pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Naseem Shah.
The 22-year-old right-arm pacer, who has quickly made a name for himself in the cricketing world, stated emphatically that Naseem Shah is a better bowler than Bumrah, which has stunned fans and experts alike.
Jasprit Bumrah, widely regarded as one of the best bowlers across all formats, has set high standards in international cricket.
Despite his established reputation, Ihsanullah's assertion that the young Pakistani pacer outshines Bumrah has sparked considerable debate.
While Naseem Shah has shown immense potential, he has yet to realize it at the highest level of the game fully.
Ihsanullah, known for his exceptional pace and swing, first garnered attention during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he delivered a remarkable spell of 5 wickets for just 12 runs against the Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2023.
His impressive performance positioned him as a key figure in Pakistan's bowling lineup, and he made his debut in white-ball cricket for the national team in 2023.
In the viral clip from the podcast, Ihsanullah is quoted saying, "If I compare Bumrah, then Naseem Shah is a better bowler than Bumrah." The host, visibly taken aback by the statement, pointed out Bumrah's recent form and achievements.
However, the right-arm pacer remained firm in his stance, arguing, "No, you are seeing that. Naseem Shah also performed like this in the 2021 (2022) World Cup. It doesn't matter if someone doesn't perform too well in a year. Still, Naseem Shah is better than him."