How do you bowl slower one?: Pakistan-born pacer recalls Bumrah's query, Rohit's words of praise

Pakistan-born pacer Zahoor Khan, who was forced to move to the UAE to pursue hisdream of playing top-level cricket, had a chance to be a part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) camp as a net bowler in 2014. In 2020, when the Indian Premier League (IPL) shifted to the UAE, Zahoor's impressive performance in the MI nets impressed the big names of the franchise, such as then-captain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, etc.

In a recent interaction, Zahoor recalled his MI days and revealed that Bumrah was mighty impressed with his slower deliveries. In addition, the Team India speedsterasked him for tips on gripping the ball.

In a chat with Sports Tak, Zahoor said, "I was with Mumbai Indians for three months. I've spent a reasonable amount of time with Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah in fact liked me so much and asked me the grip. Yeh slower ball kaise dalte ho? (How do you bowl this delivery This is a huge deal for me as he is the world's No. 1 bowler, and he asked me about the grip. He watched my video as well in the T10 tournament where I bowled a maiden. I told him but also asked him how he bowls Yorkers with the new ball. Because only 2 people in the world can do it - Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah."

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In 2014, when Zahoor first joined the Rohit-led MI franchise, he receiveda warm welcome byskipper Rohit.Recalling Hitman's words, Zahoor said, "The entire stadium is yours, paaji. If you need anything, just let me know.'" The pacer was quick to add that the Indian opener's attitude hasn't changed to date.

Zahoor further opined, "I even bowled to Rohit Sharma. Once I bowled him a slower ball, and he kept on looking because the ball hardly reached him. Even he couldn’t pick my deliveries. He was like how can it be so slow? Then I bowled at him again. He said even if the batter picks your ball, it will never result in a six."

Adding on Hitman, he stated, "Rohit… where do I even begin to speak about him? He's a legend. The way he speaks and conducts himself. When I was with MI, Rohit would have his food with the same guys who would carry our luggage." Zahoor added, "As for Bumrah, he is a superstar. He was injured for a year all right but look what he has done since his return. He has shown that he is back. He too is a wonderful human being."

At present, both Bumrah and Rohit are part of the MI camp, with Hardik Pandya having succeeded the latter as the captain.

Meanwhile, Rohit and Bumrah are gearing up for India's two-match Test series opener versus Bangladesh, starting on Sep 19 (Thursday) in Chennai.