Source: NDTV
Indian cricket fans were caught in a heated debate after Jasprit Bumrah appeared to snub Virat Kohli when asked to name the “fittest cricketer in the team. – R Ashwin
The Indian cricket community recently found itself engaged in a heated debate after star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah seemingly overlooked Virat Kohli when naming the “fittest cricketer in the team.” During a recent interaction, Bumrah chose himself over Kohli, explaining that he wanted to highlight the importance of fast bowlers and promote them. However, this decision ignited a firestorm on social media, with fans of both cricketers clashing over who truly deserved the title of the fittest.
The incident led to a divide between the supporters of Bumrah and Kohli, with many defending their favorite player’s fitness and contributions to the team. Kohli, known for his extraordinary fitness regime and discipline, has long been hailed as one of the fittest athletes in world cricket. Bumrah, on the other hand, has been a key player for India, particularly known for his exceptional performances as a fast bowler.
In the midst of this debate, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stepped in to offer his perspective and cool down the rising tension among fans. In a blunt but supportive manner, Ashwin advised fans to stop making a big issue out of the discussion and showered praise on Bumrah, referring to him as the “crown jewel of Indian cricket.”
Speaking on his newly-launched YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat,’ Ashwin said, “Why do you want to make a big deal out of it? Jasprit Bumrah is a fast bowler who bowls at 145 kmph in this heat. He is the crown jewel of Indian cricket like the Kohinoor diamond. Let him say whatever he wants. Just accept it.”
Ashwin’s defense of Bumrah continued as he compared the rigors of being a fast bowler to the maintenance of high-performance vehicles. “People will immediately say, how can Bumrah be the fittest cricketer if he got injured? There is a huge difference between a tipper lorry and a Mercedes Benz. The Mercedes Benz needs to be handled with care as its parts are very costly. A tipper lorry will have to travel long distances without rest,” he added.
Using this analogy, Ashwin highlighted the physical toll that fast bowling takes on the body, especially in demanding conditions like the ones Bumrah often faces. He emphasized the need for fans to appreciate the resilience required for fast bowlers to bounce back from injuries and still perform at the highest level. “A fast bowler is like a tipper lorry. It breaks down sometimes. However, even after so much stress, Bumrah came back and bowled at 145 kmph. Give some credit to him,” Ashwin remarked.
Ashwin’s comments seemed to bring a sense of perspective to the debate, as he reminded fans of the different demands placed on cricketers in various roles. Kohli’s fitness is undeniable, but Bumrah’s ability to consistently bowl at high speeds after facing injuries is also a testament to his incredible endurance and determination.
While the fitness debate continued to stir conversations online, the Indian cricket team had much to celebrate on the field. India cemented their top position in the World Test Championship (WTC) table with a dominant 280-run victory over Bangladesh. The win not only reaffirmed India’s status as the team to beat but also secured them 12 crucial WTC points, pushing their percentage points to 71.67%.
Sri Lanka also claimed an important victory against New Zealand in Galle, allowing them to leapfrog their opponents and take third place in the WTC standings. This win helped Sri Lanka edge closer to a potential spot in the World Test Championship final, scheduled to be held at Lord’s next year.
India’s emphatic win in Chennai further solidified their hold on the top spot, while Australia remained in second place with 62.50% points. Bangladesh, who had previously made a surprising leap to fourth place following their 2-0 victory over Pakistan, slipped to sixth position after their defeat, now holding a point percentage of 39.29%. Sri Lanka’s victory allowed them to overtake Bangladesh, securing third place behind Australia, while England rounded out the top five teams in the standings.
As the World Test Championship progresses, the race for the two final spots continues to intensify, with each win proving crucial for the teams vying for a place at Lord’s. For India, the victory against Bangladesh strengthens their bid for a spot in the final, keeping them ahead of their rivals in the highly competitive tournament.
Despite the heated fitness debate between fans, the focus on the field remains clear for India: securing wins and maintaining their dominance in the World Test Championship. As Bumrah and Kohli continue to play crucial roles in the team’s success, their fitness will no doubt be key factors in India’s journey toward the WTC final.
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