Virat Kohli finally lifted the IPL trophy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3. But even in that celebratory moment that came after 17 years, Virat Kohli called Test cricket far superior to his IPL triumph. The RCB icon had stated that the IPL win was special, but it was still five levels below Test cricket for him. That remark caught the attention of Jasprit Bumrah.
Ahead of the five-match Test series between India and England, Jasprit Bumrah has now reacted to Kohli’s statement. The star pacer has shared a raw and realistic view on what his former Indian captain’s remark means for today’s cricketers, especially fast bowlers.
Bumrah didn’t dismiss Kohli’s sentiment but made it clear that every cricketer’s journey is different and unique. He pointed out that the physical toll of red-ball cricket is a serious concern for the fast bowlers. With the strain their bodies go through, many bowlers are forced to choose formats wisely.
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The Indian superstar has stressed that it’s not always about passion, but sometimes, it is about survival, career longevity, and family responsibilities too. Bumrah acknowledged that Test cricket is a format that earns unmatched respect, but not every player can sustain it.
Jasprit Bumrah told Dinesh Karthik on Star Sports, “It is up to the individual. They have one career, and bowlers don’t hide behind a bat. A lot of strain is put on the body. You have a family to take care of and earn money. If sometimes their bodies don’t allow them to play red-ball cricket and they still want to contribute, it is better to be smarter.”
Test cricket is the purest format, but everybody is different: Jasprit Bumrah
He further explained that the fast bowlers, in particular, can’t afford to ignore what their body tells them and that’s where they have to make smart decisions, including sometimes stepping away from the format, and that is not a weak move but a wise one for one’s and his family’s future.
Bumrah explained, “Everybody is different. I grew up watching Test cricket, which is the pinnacle for me. I judge myself based on performances in the longest format. The current generation is different. T20 cricket is there, and you have got different leagues.
The mindset and thought process have changed. You can’t judge fast bowlers. Test cricket is the purest format, but everybody is different.”
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Like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah encourages younger generation to embrace Test cricket
Still, Bumrah encouraged the younger generation to embrace Test cricket. He believes that real respect comes from performing at the highest level in the toughest format, and that is the traditional format of the game.
But at the same time, the Indian pacer has accepted that the modern game offers many paths like T20 leagues, ODI cricket, and several franchise tournaments like T10 leagues, and players now pick those opportunities that are best for their fitness and financial security.
He signed off by saying, “Like Virat Kohli said, you will earn respect by competing in this format. I will encourage young cricketers to play Test cricket and earn respect. If you want respect across the globe, red-ball cricket should be your motivation. If you like fast cricket, T20 and ODI cricket are the way forward.”
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