A Cricket Maverick’s Unwavering Admiration for Jasprit Bumrah
The world of cricket often reserves its most fervent adoration for batting titans, but every so often, a bowler emerges who shatters conventions and commands respect on an unprecedented scale. One such maestro is India’s fast-bowling phenomenon, Jasprit Bumrah, whose exceptional talent recently drew effusive praise from an unexpected, yet utterly fitting, source: veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin, known for his incisive analytical mind and articulate commentary, not only hailed Bumrah as one of India’s greatest fast bowlers but also declared himself the pace spearhead’s “number one fan.”
Ashwin’s Candid Praise for a Bowling Icon
Speaking with his characteristic blend of candour and insight on his popular YouTube channel, Ashwin made it clear that his admiration for Jasprit Bumrah runs deep, transcending typical fan appreciation. He deliberately avoided overly dramatic pronouncements, stating, “He is fabulous. That’s all I want to leave. He was born in this world. All these things become a soap opera. I am not one of those drama artists. I don’t want to market anyone. But he is a fabulous cricketer.” This nuanced praise from a peer, especially one as highly regarded as Ashwin, speaks volumes about Bumrah’s unparalleled skill and impact on the game.
Elevating Bowlers: The Call for Respect Alongside Batting Legends
Ashwin passionately argued for a shift in perception, urging the cricketing fraternity to accord Jasprit Bumrah the same veneration typically reserved for batting stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, or Rohit Sharma. “I really wish that we go that route,” Ashwin articulated, emphasizing the need for equal recognition. While acknowledging that Bumrah already enjoys significant respect and a massive fan following, Ashwin reiterated his personal devotion: “I am his number one fan. Maybe his wife could be number one, competing for it. I am his number one fan.” This playful yet earnest declaration underscores the deep personal connection and admiration the seasoned spinner holds for the younger pace sensation.
Deconstructing Bumrah’s Bowling Masterclass Against Joe Root
What truly sets Jasprit Bumrah apart is not merely his unique, unconventional action, but the astonishing precision and strategic genius with which he executes every delivery. Ashwin provided a fascinating breakdown of how Bumrah systematically dismantled England’s prolific batsman, Joe Root, in a recent Test match. “He is on a different pedestal. He is in a different world,” Ashwin asserted, highlighting Bumrah’s unparalleled skill. He pinpointed Root’s struggles, noting the English batsman’s inability to decipher the length, forcing him to tentatively reach for balls that were slightly out of reach, eventually leading to a crucial dismissal in the slips. Bumrah’s ability to constantly challenge a world-class batsman like Root speaks volumes about his deceptive pace and masterful control.
The Craft of a Genius: Unpacking the Delivery to Zak Crawley
Ashwin further elaborated on Bumrah’s extraordinary talent by dissecting a specific delivery to Zak Crawley in the first innings. “The ball of Zak Crawley in the first innings, how many can he bowl that?” Ashwin mused, describing a delivery so complex and perfectly executed it borders on the miraculous. He explained how Bumrah, almost past the vertical release point, managed to drop the ball precisely on the middle stump, showcasing incredible awareness, impeccable wrist position, and supreme quality of execution. Such deliveries are not just born of natural talent but are the result of an “unbelievable amount of work” and dedication to maintain his body in peak physical condition to perform these demanding feats.
A Legacy Forged: Playing Alongside a Modern Legend
For Ravichandran Ashwin, having shared the dressing room and the field with Jasprit Bumrah is a source of immense pride. “He is on a different plane altogether,” Ashwin stated, expressing his profound respect. “And I would be very proud to say I played with Jassi. I batted against Jassi. I was in a team with Jassi. And I have seen some fabulous victories. And I have played together with him.” Ashwin’s ultimate endorsement firmly places Bumrah among the pantheon of cricketing greats. “He is one of the legends. He is right up there. If not, better than some of the batters in our country,” he concluded, cementing Jasprit Bumrah’s status not just as a great bowler, but as a cricketing phenomenon who continues to redefine the art of fast bowling.
