Indian cricket team fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has made a name for himself as a death-over specialist with his yorkers being one of the most feared balls in world cricket. During any run chase, Bumrah will mostly be the pick of any captain when it comes to bowling the final over but Pakistan skipper Babar Azam made it clear that he will pick his national side teammate in that scenario. In an episode of a podcast on Zalmi TV, Babar was asked if he is the captain and his team needs to defend 10 runs in the final, who will he choose as the bowler - Naseem Shah or Jasprit Bumrah.
"One over, T20 match, you have to win the match, you have two options to defend 10 runs, whom will you give the last over, Naseem Shah or Jasprit Bumrah?" the hosts asked.
Babar did not hesitate and answered - "Naseem Shah."
Babar showered more praise on the fast bowler who has recently struggled with injuries.
"Naseem Shah. Firstly, I felt so happy for Naseem, for the way he returned to cricket after injury and the way he recovered. His skills are exceptional. We don't often see talent like this in Pakistan."
"There are others too, like Shaheen Shah Afridi. Shaheen is in a class of his own. but Naseem is on a similar trajectory, gaining valuable experience," he added.
Babar Azam was reappointed as Pakistan's white-ball captain, two months ahead of the T20 World Cup. Babar replaced fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the T20 captain. The pacer was removed after just one series which Pakistan lost 1-4 to New Zealand in January.
The decision to reinstate Babar was taken after a unanimous recommendation from the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) selection committee.
"Following unanimous recommendation from the PCB's selection committee, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi has appointed Babar Azam as white-ball (ODI and T20I) captain of the Pakistan men's cricket team," the PCB said in a media release.
During a recent meeting in Lahore with PCB Chief Naqvi, Babar allegedly sought assurances about his tenure and asked to be appointed captain of the Test side as well.
(With PTI inputs)