Debates surrounding the fierce cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan inevitably spark intense discussion whenever legends from both sides are compared head-to-head. Former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis weighed in on these historical and contemporary matchups during a rapid-fire discussion, offering straightforward assessments that frequently leaned toward Indian cricketers across both batting and bowling departments.
Top-Order and Middle-Order Batting Matchups
When asked to choose between iconic players who defined their respective eras, Waqar consistently gave preference to Indian batting stalwarts. Faced with the choice between Inzamam-ul-Haq and Sachin Tendulkar, he picked Tendulkar without hesitation. A similar pattern emerged when comparing modern batting leaders. When placed before the choice between Virat Kohli and Pakistan's Babar Azam, Waqar firmly chose Kohli as his preferred batter.
Evaluating Finishing Prowess in Pressure Situations
The ability to finish games and perform under immense pressure formed a crucial part of the evaluation. In this category, former Pakistan master Javed Miandad was pitted against former India captain MS Dhoni. Waqar backed Dhoni in this contest, noting that while Miandad was an extraordinarily capable cricketer, Dhoni won more matches single-handedly for his team across his entire career, establishing him as an exceptional match-finisher.
Middle-Order Selections and the Sole Pakistan Pick
Waqar maintained his preference for Indian batters across several other direct comparisons. Evaluating explosive top-order stroke-makers, he preferred Rohit Sharma over Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman. In the middle order, when asked to assess Misbah-ul-Haq against VVS Laxman, he opted for Laxman. Similarly, in a clash of defensive rocks, Waqar selected Rahul Dravid over Younis Khan.
However, the list included one notable exception where an Indian cricketer was overlooked in favour of a Pakistani counterpart. When forced to decide between dynamic opening batters, Waqar preferred Pakistan's stylish left-hander Saeed Anwar over Virender Sehwag, marking the only occasion in the batting comparisons where the Pakistani representative earned the nod.
Pace Bowling Verdict Favours Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami
The inclination toward Indian talent was not limited to batting; it carried over into bowling comparisons as well. Assessing frontline pacers of the contemporary era, Waqar selected Jasprit Bumrah over Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi. When evaluating seasoned pace options from recent years, he rated Mohammed Shami ahead of Pakistan's Mohammad Amir.
Prudence on Emerging Talents and Upcoming International Action
The discussion also touched upon younger prospects emerging from both systems, specifically naming 15-year-old Indian batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and 20-year-old Pakistani talent Sameer Minhas. Waqar declined to make a choice between the two, explaining that he had not watched enough of either player in competitive action to deliver an objective evaluation. Sooryavanshi recently drew significant attention through an aggressive knock, smashing 45 runs off 19 deliveries to help guide India to a victory.
Beyond these individual player assessments, attention for the Indian side shifts to upcoming international commitments, with a five-match One Day International series scheduled against New Zealand. The contest begins on November 4 in Auckland. Star batter Virat Kohli will be participating across the entire series, with subsequent fixtures taking place at Wellington, Hamilton, and Mount Maunganui.
