On June 3, Virat Kohli's 18-year wait to win an Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy came to an end. While Kohli was emotional, ecstatic to win the trophy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a franchise he joined as a teenager, he made a remark on Test cricket as well. The IPL win was special, but it was still five levels below Test cricket for him. Kohli's teammate Jasprit Bumrah has weighed in on the debate. He understands where former Test captain's remark comes from but feels that circumstances are different for everyone, especially fast bowlers.
“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,” Bumrah told former teammate Dinesh Karthik on Star Sports.
Bumrah says 'everybody is different'
Bumrah said that at times, players have to decide which format to play or to let go by listening to their body. In addition, they need to provide for the family as well by playing in T20 leagues. However, he encouraged youngsters to take the Test cricket route as they will gain respect for playing the format.
“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.
“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,” he added.
Bumrah will be seen in action when India take on England in the first Test of the five-Test series against England at Headingley, Leeds, starting June 20.