Jasprit Bumrah has long been India’s most precious fast-bowling asset, the kind of player who can change a game with just one spell. But with the growing demands of modern cricket, even the strongest shoulders need careful protection.
Speaking candidly on AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin shared what he believes is the best way forward for Jasprit Bumrah and it involves choosing formats with care.
R Ashwin explained that if he were advising Bumrah directly, he would encourage him to focus mainly on white-ball cricket. In his view, Bumrah should step into Test cricket only when the team truly needs him. He said this not as criticism but out of concern for the pacer’s long-term fitness. Ashwin knows how deeply Bumrah values Test cricket and how committed he is to playing the longest format but he also understands the physical toll it takes on a fast bowler with such a unique and demanding action.
For Ashwin, the bigger picture is clear – India needs Bumrah to stay fit, impactful and available for the matches that matter the most. He believes the pacer should avoid unnecessary ODIs, continue shining in T20s and save his Test appearances for meaningful, high-stakes series.
Calling Jasprit Bumrah a “treasure”, Ashwin highlighted how rare his skill set is and how equally important it is to manage it wisely.
In a cricketing world where schedules never slow down, Ashwin’s message is simple — protecting Jasprit Bumrah today means preserving his brilliance for years to come.
