Zahoor Khan, a fast bowler born in Pakistan, was part of the net bowling squad for Mumbai Indians in 2014. Although he did not appear in IPL match, as part of the franchise, he played against some of the biggest stars in cricket. Recently, Zahoor opened up about his time with MI claiming that Jasprit Bumrah was so amazed by his slower deliveries that he enquired about how he held the ball.
“I was with Mumbai Indians for three months, during which I spent considerable time talking to Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. In fact, it was Bumrah who liked me so much and wanted to know my grip. Yeh slower ball kaise dalte ho? (How do you bowl this slower delivery?), he asked me. This is a huge deal for me as he is the number one bowler in the world and asked me about the grip. He saw my video too at T10 tournament where I didn’t give any runs,” Zahoor told Sports Tak. “I told him but also asked him how to bowl yorkers with a new ball because there are only two people like this in the world-Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah.”
Zahoor moreover remembered bowling to Rohit Sharma in the nets and mentioned that it was hard for the Indian cricket team captain to hit his slower delivery.
“I even bowled to Rohit Sharma. Once I bowled a slower ball, and he kept on looking because the ball hardly reached him. Even he couldn’t pick my deliveries. He was like how can it be so slow? Then I bowled at him again. He said even if the batter picks your ball, it will never result in a six.”
Now about Rohit… where do I begin? He’s a legend, as they say. The way he talks and behaves in front of others is what makes him unique from everyone else. For example when I was with MI, Rohit would eat together with those people who carried our bags for us behind him during matches. Regarding Bumrah though; he’s one superstar! Yes, he was hurt for one period but look at his performance after coming back! He’s returned on the field like an eagle returning to its territory after months without seeing it – that is how much determination this man has! Furthermore; it has also been said that he has a good soul,” conveyed Zahoor.
