Ravichandran Ashwin has sparked a debate by suggesting that Jasprit Bumrah, despite being a modern-day great, doesn't receive the same level of recognition and adulation as Indian batting legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Ashwin voiced his opinion, emphasizing Bumrah's exceptional skills and unique contributions to Indian cricket.
Ashwin stated that while Bumrah enjoys considerable respect and has a large fan base, the reverence isn't quite on par with the almost god-like status afforded to Tendulkar and Kohli. He elaborated on this by saying that the kind of unwavering support and acknowledgement that these batting icons receive isn't always extended to Bumrah. Ashwin expressed his hope that this would change, advocating for Bumrah to be placed on the same pedestal as these legends.
One of the primary reasons Ashwin admires Bumrah is the pacer's exceptional execution. He noted it isn't just about the uniqueness of Bumrah's action but how effectively he implements his skills on the field. Ashwin highlighted Bumrah's ability to bowl challenging deliveries consistently, making him a formidable opponent for any batter. He specifically cited Bumrah's dismissals of England's Zak Crawley and Joe Root in a past test match as examples of his brilliance.
Ashwin also pointed out that Bumrah's achievements are sometimes taken for granted. He highlighted that Bumrah is the only Asian cricketer to have taken 150 Test wickets in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries, surpassing other greats like Wasim Akram, Anil Kumble, and Waqar Younis.
Moreover, Ashwin compared Bumrah to a 'cheat code' in cricket, emphasizing the significant advantage he brings to the team. He humorously referenced the Road Rash video game, where a cheat code allows a player to gain an unfair advantage. Ashwin believes Bumrah provides a similar edge to his team, often making the captain look better with his exceptional bowling.
While making his point, Ashwin clarified he wasn't trying to diminish the contributions of other players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, or Sachin Tendulkar. Instead, his intention was to highlight Bumrah's value and push for a more balanced recognition of talent across different cricketing disciplines. He stated he is not trying to market anyone, but Bumrah is a fabulous cricketer.
Ashwin acknowledged that Bumrah has many fans and receives a lot of respect, even declaring himself as Bumrah's number one fan. He also defended Bumrah's right to express himself, even when the pacer declared himself as the "fittest" player in the team, emphasizing Bumrah's resilience and the demands on a fast bowler's body.
In the context of India's recent Test series against England, Ashwin also advocated for Bumrah's inclusion in the second Test, despite workload management considerations. Ashwin's argument was that with India trailing 1-0, Bumrah's presence was crucial to leveling the series.
Ashwin's statements reflect a broader discussion within cricket about appreciating bowlers and their impact on the game. While batting performances often take center stage, Ashwin's advocacy shines a light on the importance of recognizing and celebrating exceptional bowling talent like Jasprit Bumrah. He hopes that Bumrah will get the same respect as Tendulkar and Kohli.
