Former Pakistani player Basit Ali heaped rich praise on the Indian pace unit after their win over Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series in Chennai. India registered a 280-run win over Najmul Hossain Shanto and his men.
India's pacers, headed by Jasprit Bumrah (4/50), Mohammed Siraj (2/30), and Akash Deep (2/19), overpowered Bangladesh's batting lineup, dismissing them for just 149 in the first innings.
Bumrah's four-wicket haul, Akash Deep's early breakthroughs, and Siraj's consistency had Bangladesh reeling.
Basit compared India's current pace attack to Pakistan's renowned fast-bowling three Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and Waqar Younis, citing their overwhelming performances.
"The Indian bowling unit is so impactful that they are on the level with pacers Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and Waqar Younis. Right now, Mohammed Shami is not even playing," Basit remarked on his YouTube channel.
Basit also voiced enthusiasm for India's burgeoning pace talent, particularly 22-year-old Mayank Yadav. The youthful speedster impressed in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), clocking the season's fastest delivery of 156.7 kph for the Lucknow Super Giants.
Basit believes Mayank's pace might be a game-changer in India's forthcoming Tests, particularly against Australia.
"Mayank Yadav's ball is very dangerous. His bouncer is accurate. I wish to see him play a Test match in Australia," Basit said.
Basit Ali also praised the curator of pitches in India while reacting to the win over the Bangladesh Test in Chennai. While making his comments, Basit also lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the kind of surfaces it makes during Test matches.
"Bumrah picked 5 wickets in the game, Ashwin took 6 wickets, Jadeja clinched 5, Siraj took 2 and Akash Deep claimed 2 wickets. This is the account of 20 wickets. The bowlers ticked all the boxes. India played two spinners, keeping in mind that the ball would spin and it happened. So the credit goes to the pitch curators, who know how to make a Test match surface. Not like us... I am not going to that side but I am filled with anger," said Basit Ali.
"In our nation, they say there is no value of pitch. They are illiterate people. The ones who have played cricket with pride are there on the Board (PCB). This is why I get angry. What are you teaching to kids. 50 percent of the issue is solved if you read the pitch well, ask Sunil Gavaskar and Javed Miandad. But they don't understand," he added.
The India vs Bangladesh second and final Test will start on September 27 in Kanpur.
