By Shahbaz Cheema
Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra has singled out legendary Pakistani fast bowlers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis as two of the greatest ‘Masters of the Yorker’ in cricket history.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra praised the exceptional yorker abilities of current Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. However, he reserved special admiration for Pakistan’s iconic duo, Wasim and Waqar, alongside Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga, whom he described as “an absolute beast” with a unique style.
“You cannot overlook him in modern-day cricket. Malinga popularized the practice of honing yorkers by aiming at shoes. His low trajectory made his yorkers different and he even had a slower yorker in his arsenal,” Chopra remarked, emphasizing Malinga’s genius.
Chopra then turned his attention to the Pakistani legends, drawing comparisons between Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram in their mastery of the yorker. “Waqar Younis, with his slight round-arm action and remarkable rhythm, was a sight to behold, especially when bowling with the old ball. He was absolutely lethal,” Chopra noted.
“Then there’s Wasim Akram, part of the legendary ‘two Ws.’ Wasim was different; he would skillfully alter angles, switch between over and around the stumps, and adjust his action with ease. Wasim Akram was a complete bowler, a true master of his craft,” Chopra concluded.
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