R Ashwin responds to Bumrah's 'fittest' remark after after social media storm

R Ashwin, speaking in his YouTube show, said it's not fair to compare a fast bowler with a batter as he addressed the furore over Jasprit Bumrah's 'fittest cricketer 'remark. Ashwin said Bumrah is the çrown jewel' of Indian cricket and that the pacer has the right to express his views.

In Short

• R Ashwin downplayed discussion about Jasprit Bumrah's remark
• Bumrah said he considers himself as India's fittest cricketer
• A section of fans questioned Bumrah's response and even called him 'arrogant'

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin downplayed the discussion surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's 'fittest cricketer' comment, which sparked debate among fans on social media. Ashwin mentioned that it's unreasonable to ask a cricketer a question and then expect his response to please everyone. The veteran also called Bumrah the 'Kohinoor' of Indian cricket, praising him as one of the standout fast bowlers of the modern era.

Jasprit Bumrah's reply to 'India's fittest cricketer' question at a promotional event led to debates on social media. Some fans disagreed with Bumrah and even suggested he should have taken Virat Kohli's name. A section of them even targeted Bumrah for not naming Kohli in his reply.

Ashwin, however, highlighted the workload concerns for Jasprit Bumrah and said it has been remarkable to see the fast bowler recover from his long-standing back injury concerns and return to his best, consistently clocking speeds of 145 kph and above. Ashwin likened a fast bowler to a 'tipper lorry', highlighting the wear and tear they go through, especially when bowling in hot and humid conditions.

"Why do you want to make this thing big? Jasprit Burmrah is a fast bowler who clocks 145 kph in the scorching heat, slogs so hard. He is the crowned jewel of Indian cricket. Bumrah is India's Kohinoor diamond. Let Jasprit Bumrah say whatever he wants to, just accept it," Ashwin said in his Hindi YouTube show.

"Tell me one thing: Has any fast bowler after Kapil Dev become as big? Bumrah comes and wins you matches. Also, you asked Jasprit Bumrah the question, and then you also only wanted to answer it. You are saying, 'I am not satisfied with your answer'. How is this fair?"

'A FAST BOWLER IS A TIPPER LORRY'

Ashwin acknowledged that Virat Kohli is among the fittest cricketers going around and highlighted that it's not even fair to compare a fast bowler and a batter.

"People immediately say Bumrah got injured; how can he be the fittest? Boss, there's a huge difference between a tipper lorry and a Mercedes Benz. Mercedes is chauffeur-driven; its spare parts are very costly.

"Now, think about a Tipper Lorry. It has to go from North to South with so much load. A fast bowler is a tipper lorry. He will break down. He has returned after a stress fracture and is bowling at 145, give credit to him," the off-spinner said.

Bumrah missed the T20 World Cup in 2022 after undergoing surgery for stress fracture. Bumrah's comeback was delayed due to another strain. Questions were asked about Bumrah's ability to handle his workload and he had to miss IPL 2023. However, the Mumbai Indians last bowler proved his naysayers wrong with an incredible comeback in late 2023, playing a key role in India's run to the ODI World Cup final. Bumrah was instrumental in India's second T20 World Cup triumph, earlier this year in the West Indies and the USA.

Ashwin and Bumrah combined to lead India's bowling attack in the recently-concluded first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. Bumrah rattled Bangladesh with four wickets in the first innings while Ashwin picked six in the second innings as India registered a 280-run victory.