Pakistan-born fast bowler Zahoor Khan, now representing the UAE cricket team, shared fond memories from his time with the Mumbai Indians as a net bowler in 2014. Although he never featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Zahoor had the opportunity to bowl against some of cricket's biggest stars, including Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma.
In a recent interview, Zahoor recalled how Bumrah, one of the top bowlers in the world, was particularly intrigued by his slower ball. "Bumrah was impressed with my slower delivery and even asked me about the grip," Zahoor revealed. "It was a huge moment for me, as he's the No. 1 bowler. He even watched me bowl a maiden over in a T10 tournament and praised my performance. I also asked him how he manages to bowl yorkers with the new ball—something only Bumrah and Lasith Malinga can do."
Zahoor also shared an amusing memory of bowling to Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the nets. "I bowled a slower ball to Rohit, and he just stared at it because it barely reached him. He couldn’t pick it and said, ‘Even if the batter picks your delivery, it’ll never go for a six.’ That was high praise coming from him."
Beyond cricket, Zahoor spoke highly of Rohit’s leadership and humility. "Rohit is a legend, not just for his skills but for how he conducts himself. He would sit and eat with the same people who handled our luggage. As for Bumrah, despite his year-long injury, he's come back stronger and remains an incredible human being," Zahoor added.