Controversial Snub! Bumrah and Shaheen Afridi Left Out of Top T20I Bowlers List!
Prepare to be shocked! A recent ranking of the top T20I bowlers for 2024 has sparked a massive firestorm, leaving cricket fans worldwide stunned. Two absolute giants of the game, Jasprit Bumrah and Shaheen Afridi, have been shockingly excluded from the top 5. This explosive decision, made by former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, has ignited furious debate across the cricketing world. Is this a controversial oversight, or is there a valid justification for their absence?
The Shocking Omission of Bumrah and Afridi: Aakash Chopra's Rationale
The omission of Bumrah and Afridi, two of the most electrifying fast bowlers on the planet, has created waves of disbelief. Chopra, however, defended his choice, citing strict selection criteria which prioritize consistent performances in at least 10 T20I matches during the year against top-tier opposition. The criteria were stringent. Did the two fast-bowling superstars fall short of the standards?
Bumrah's Limited Appearances
Bumrah's exclusion is directly attributed to a relatively limited number of matches played this year—a mere eight T20Is. While his performances in those matches were likely phenomenal, the limited game time meant the ace pacer missed the criteria and unfortunately fell outside Chopra's top 5.
Afridi's Struggle Against Top Teams
Shaheen Afridi, despite his impressive tally of 36 wickets in 2024, failed to meet another crucial criterion. This criterion was that players must perform well against high-ranked teams. He failed to consistently deliver against top-level teams in sufficient quality and quantity and that proved decisive in the judgment of the selectors. A harsh blow, perhaps, for a man of such talent and class. This certainly leaves the question: What is considered a "top team" by this criterion?
Chopra's Top 5: Surprises and Standout Performers
The selection, or rather exclusions, sparked controversy, but here is Aakash Chopra's final list of top performers, with compelling explanations.
No. 5: Haris Rauf's World Cup Heroics
Pakistan's Haris Rauf snatches the fifth spot. His remarkable figures against India in the World Cup, combined with impressive performances against New Zealand and Australia, earned him a place in the elite group. His remarkable 27 wickets in 17 matches with a stellar average of 19 and economy of 9 makes him a player to watch for the future.
No. 4: Lockie Ferguson's Economy Marvel
Lockie Ferguson of New Zealand dominates at number four. His economy rate is exceptionally impressive at a measly 4.88, averaging a wicket every 9.25 runs in 10 matches, making him arguably one of the best pacemen in the shortest format of the game. Noteworthy was Ferguson's spell where he captured four wickets for 12 runs against Australia. A standout performance that places him high on the list.
No. 3: Matheesha Pathirana's Steady Rise
Matheesha Pathirana secures third position in Aakash Chopra's controversial list. Sri Lanka's rising star has quickly made his mark and this shows no sign of stopping. The rising talent has bagged 28 wickets across 16 matches at a well-maintained economy rate of 7.67 and an impressive average of 13.25, showcasing impressive consistency throughout his campaign.
No. 2: Abbas Afridi's Consistent Excellence
Abbas Afridi lands the second spot in the ranking, making headlines by outshining his fellow Pakistani and renowned teammate, Shaheen Shah Afridi. With 30 wickets from 18 matches and under an economy rate of 8.5 alongside an average of 14.96, Abbas Afridi delivers a strong argument to be in the top two positions on the leaderboard. What is remarkable here is the consistency across matches against high-quality teams.
No. 1: Arshdeep Singh: The Unstoppable Force
Arshdeep Singh from India dominates the top position. The young rising talent earned himself this title through his performance this year. With a phenomenal 36 wickets from 18 matches, backed by a phenomenal economy of 7.49 and average of 13.5 wickets, it is unsurprising that Singh made his way to the top spot. His ability to provide breakthroughs, paired with the noteworthy stat that he has remained consistently successful with not a single wicketless performance since the 27th of June further enforces his presence in this top 5. He certainly justifies his claim to the number 1 spot.
Take Away Points
Chopra's ranking, while generating widespread discourse, has prompted vital discussion on assessment metrics for T20I bowlers and the challenges of selecting the best from amongst an enormous field of talented players. While the selection methodology may be stringent, the selection results have undoubtedly provided engaging conversations within the cricketing community. The conversation is ongoing, with questions lingering about what makes a truly "top" bowler and whether such rankings fully capture individual skill and overall match-winning impact. What are your thoughts?