Ashwin Defends Bumrah Amid Controversy Over Fitness Comments

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come to the defence of Jasprit Bumrah, praising the fast bowler’s work ethic, ability to consistently bowl at high speeds, and his overall contribution to Indian cricket. Ashwin’s comments come after Bumrah faced controversy for declaring himself the fittest Indian cricketer during a press conference.

The controversy erupted when Bumrah, in response to a question about the fittest Indian cricketer, sensed that the reporter was expecting him to name Virat Kohli. Instead, the pacer said, “I know the answer you are searching for, but I would like to say my name, because I am a fast bowler. Being a fast bowler and playing in this country in the heat takes a lot of requirement. So I will always promote a fast bowler.”

This remark stirred debate, with some questioning Bumrah’s claim due to his injury history. However, Ashwin, in an interaction with journalist Vimal Kumar and Ashwath Bobo on his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat,’ strongly supported Bumrah, emphasizing his immense impact on Indian cricket.

Praising the pacer, Ashwin said, “Jasprit Bumrah is a fast bowler. He keeps bowling 145 km/h. He is a crowned jewel of Indian cricket. He is the Kohinoor diamond of Indian cricket. Let him say whatever he wants. After Kapil Dev, has there been an Indian bowler bigger than Bumrah?”

Ashwin went on to criticize the media’s reaction, urging people to acknowledge the challenges fast bowlers face, especially in India’s demanding conditions. 

“People want to say that he got injured, how is he the fittest cricketer? There is a lot of difference. One is a tipper lorry and one is a Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz can be driven carefully, it’s chauffeur-driven. Tipper Lorry has to move from north to south with so much load. A fast bowler is a tipper lorry, they will break down. He has come back from a stress fracture and is bowling at 145 km/h. Give him credit,” Ashwin added.

Ashwin’s remarks highlight the unique physical demands placed on fast bowlers like Bumrah, whose role in the team requires an exceptional level of fitness. Despite his past injuries, Bumrah’s ability to maintain high speeds and his return from a stress fracture shows his resilience and mental toughness, reinforcing Ashwin’s point about the fast bowler’s importance to Indian cricket.