Indian veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin lauded pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, calling him the “Kohinoor of Indian Cricket” following his standout performance in the first Test against Bangladesh.
Bumrah played a key role in Indiaâs 280-run victory, taking five wickets, including a four-wicket haul in the first innings.
Since returning to international cricket in 2023 after recovering from a serious injury, Bumrah has been unstoppable.
Ashwin praised Bumrahâs consistency and resilience, especially after his recovery from a stress fracture. Since his return in August 2023, Bumrah has been the leading wicket-taker across all formats, with 83 wickets in 34 games at a stunning average of 15.43, including two five-wicket hauls. He has also delivered standout performances in key tournaments like the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the IPL 2024, and the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
On his YouTube channel, Ashwin defended Bumrah against critics who questioned his claim of being the fittest cricketer in the team, asserting that Bumrah, as a fast bowler constantly delivering 145 km/h deliveries, deserved the praise. He urged people to give credit to Bumrah for maintaining his pace and form after coming back from such a serious injury. Ashwin also compared fast bowlers to “tipper lorries,” emphasizing the toll fast bowling takes on the body, unlike more protected roles like chauffeur-driven “Mercedes-Benz.”
In the Chennai Test, which marked the beginning of Indiaâs 10-match season, Ashwin himself shone, contributing both with bat and ball. He combined with Ravindra Jadeja for a 199-run partnership that rescued India from a precarious 144 for 6, helping India reach a formidable total of 376. Bumrahâs bowling, alongside centuries from Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill, secured the win by setting a massive target of 515 runs for Bangladesh, who were bowled out for 234 thanks to Ashwinâs six-wicket haul.
The second Test of the series will be held in Kanpur, starting on September 27.
