IPL 2025: Zaheer Khan picks best IPL pacer, snubs Lasith Malinga, Dwayne Bravo

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan picked ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah over IPL legends like Lasith Malinga and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the popular 'This or That' challenge. Several cricketers' names were thrown at Zaheer Khan in the challenge, starting with a clash between Lasith Malinga and Dwayne Bravo.

Zaheer played 200 ODIs for India and took 282 wickets. He also played a key role in India's 2011 World Cup triumph, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 21 scalps. Zaheer picked up 311 wickets in 92 Tests, including 11 five-wicket hauls. He represented India in 17 T20Is, claiming as many wickets.

Lasith Malinga Picked Over Bhuvneshwar Kumar as Best IPL Pacer

Cricbuzz shared a video of their ‘This or That’ segment with Zaheer Khan on X (formerly known as Twitter). Zaheer was asked to pick the best IPL pacer among various cricketers, including retired players in the tournament.

The former Indian pacer picked his Mumbai Indians (MI) teammate Lasith Malinga ahead of Dwayne Bravo. Zaheer went on to choose Malinga over Trent Boult and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

"I think Lasith Malinga has done quite a lot. I'll stick with Lasith Malinga," Zaheer said.

Lasith Malinga or Bhuvneshwar Kumar? What about Jasprit Bumrah? 👀

Who's been the best IPL pacer❓Watch Zaheer Khan pick, on Winner Stays on#IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/GD591wHgYS

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 15, 2025

I'll Stay with Jasprit Bumrah for Now - Zaheer Khan

Zaheer was then asked to choose between Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah. Zaheer confidently picked Bumrah but mentioned, "for now." The legendary cricketer also picked Bumrah over Sandeep Sharma, Mohit Sharma, and Arshdeep Singh during the segment.

"Arshdeep, I think at some stage we'll catch up, but I'll stay with Jasprit Bumrah for now," Zaheer said.

The 46-year-old picked Jasprit Bumrah as the best pacer in Indian Premier League history. He eliminated the names of Mohammed Shami, Kagiso Rabada, and Harshal Patel at the end of the video.

Jasprit Bumrah is one of the most lethal bowlers in IPL history. With 165 wickets in 133 matches, he has been a crucial match-winner for Mumbai Indians (MI). Bumrah has consistently delivered for his team in high-pressure situations and cemented his status as a top T20 bowler worldwide.

Zaheer Khan Set to Mentor Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025

Zaheer Khan will serve as the mentor for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2025, having replaced Gautam Gambhir in August last year.

Gambhir, who moved to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and guided them to the IPL title in 2024, later left to take over as India's head coach. Former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo then replaced Gambhir as KKR’s mentor.

Meanwhile, LSG parted ways with KL Rahul, who led the team in the three seasons ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The franchise appointed Rishabh Pant as captain for the new season.

LSG will begin their campaign against Delhi Capitals on March 24 at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.

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