World No. 1 test bowler Ravichandran Ashwin lauded fellow teammate Jasprit Bumrah following India’s commanding 280-run victory against Bangladesh in the first test of the two-match series. Ashwin referred to Bumrah as the “Kohinoor diamond” of Indian cricket, highlighting the star pacer’s importance to the team. The match took place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai where both the players delivered outstanding performances.
Ashwin played a key role with both the bat and the ball, scoring a century (113) and taking six wickets. Bumrah, equally vital, picked up five wickets in total, four in the first innings and one in the second, helping India bowl out Bangladesh for just 149 runs after posting a commanding total of 376.
Recently, Ashwin reacted to the statement made by Jasprit Bumrah in which he called himself the fittest Indian cricketer.
During an event when Jasprit Bumrah was asked to name the fittest Indian cricketer, he said, “I know the answer you are searching for, but I would like to say my name because I am a fast bowler. I have been playing for a while…and being a fast bowler and playing in this country in this heat takes a lot of requirements. So I will always promote a fast bowler.”
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After making his return to competitive cricket in August last year, following a lengthy absence due to a back injury, the 30 years old pacer has been on fire. In 14 matches played this year, Bumrah has taken 47 wickets, the most by any bowler in 2024.
Bumrah’s stellar bowling was a significant factor in India’s dominant performance but still there were many who did not like Bumrah not taking Virat Kohli’s name when he was asked to name the fittest Indian cricketer.
When Ashwin was asked to comment on this statement, he said, “People immediately say Bumrah got injured; how can he be the fittest? Boss, there’s a huge difference between a tipper lorry and a Mercedes Benz. Mercedes is chauffeur-driven; its spare parts are very costly. Now, think about a Tipper Lorry. It has to go from North to South with so much load. A fast bowler is a tipper lorry. He will break down. He has returned after a stress fracture and is bowling at 145, give credit to him.”
Ashwin further added, “Why do you want to make this thing big? Jasprit Burmrah is a fast bowler who clocks 145 kph in the scorching heat, slogs so hard and is the crowned jewel of Indian cricket. They took the Kohinoor diamond but Bumrah is currently India’s Kohinoor diamond. Let Jasprit Bumrah say whatever he wants to, just accept it.”
Ashwin also said, “Tell me one thing: Has any fast bowler after Kapil Dev become as big (as Bumrah)? Bumrah is the only one who comes and wins you matches. Also, you asked Jasprit Bumrah the question, and then you also want to answer it. You are saying, ‘I’m not satisfied with your answer’. How is this fair?”
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Jasprit Bumrah is set to lead India’s bowling attack once again in the second test, which starts on Friday, September 27, at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. His form will be crucial as India aims to seal the series with another victory.
We certainly agree with what R Ashwin said in regard to Jasprit Bumrah, what do you say?