Former West Indian great Sir Andy Roberts has said that Mohammed Shami is better than Jasprit Bumrah. He said Shami is India’s best bowler.
This came as a very shocking statement to the cricket fans, especially the Indian fans. Bumrah has been a consistent performer for India across all three formats since returning from his injury some time ago.
Bumrah played a key role in India’s successful campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He was ‘Player of the Match’ in the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth.
On the other hand, Shami last played for India in the ICC World Cup 2023 against Australia in the final of the tournament.
Shami had an excellent performance in that tournament. He has been out of action since then after an ankle injury. He was supposed to join the team in the recent series against Bangladesh but it has taken him longer than expected to regain his fitness. There are reports that India may add Shami to the BGT squad.
Mohammed Shami may not get wickets like Jasprit Bumrah but he’s a complete package: Andy Roberts
Talking to Mid-day, Sir Andy Roberts said, “Shami has been India’s best bowler for a while. He may not get the amount of wickets Jasprit Bumrah gets, but he’s the full package and is more consistent than the rest. Shami swings the ball, Shami seams the ball and Shami’s control is as good as Bumrah’s”.
“Shami should play. Mohammed Siraj is nowhere near Shami”, he further added.

Jasprit Bumrah has picked up 185 wickets in 42 test matches at an average of 19.96. He has eleven 5-wicket hauls to his name. On the other hand, Mohammed Shami has picked up 229 wickets in 64 test matches at an average of 27.71. He has six 5-wicket hauls to his name.
Shami’s participation for the remainder of the BGT 2024-25 is still doubtful and only time will tell whether we’ll get to see both Shami and Bumrah playing together down under.