Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 24 (ANI): Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin heaped praise on the pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah, hailing him as the “Kohinoor of Indian Cricket.” Bumrah’s stellar performance in the first Test against Bangladesh, where he claimed five wickets, including a remarkable four-wicket haul in the initial innings, has reaffirmed his status as a cricketing marvel.

Since making his much-anticipated return to international cricket in 2023, ahead of the 50-over World Cup, after an extended period battling injuries, Bumrah has been virtually unstoppable. His recent bowling spells are considered among the finest in contemporary cricket.

In his comeback year starting August last year, Bumrah has emerged as the leading wicket-taker across all formats, amassing 83 wickets in 34 matches with an impressive average of 15.43. His best figures of 6/45 have been a testament to his unrelenting prowess. Notably, Bumrah has clinched two five-wicket hauls and has shown exceptional form in major tournaments. During the Cricket World Cup 2023, he secured 20 wickets in 11 games with an average of 18.65, making him the fourth-highest wicket-taker. In the IPL 2024, he took 20 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 16.80, placing him as the third-highest wicket-taker. Additionally, in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Bumrah captured 15 wickets in eight matches at an average of 11.86, earning him the title of Player of the Tournament and the second-highest wicket-taker.

In a recent discussion on his Hindi YouTube channel, Ashwin defended Bumrah against critics who mocked him for recently declaring himself as the “fittest” player in the team at an event. Ashwin emphasized that Bumrah has every right to make such claims, considering his extraordinary journey and contributions to Indian cricket.

“Jasprit Bumrah is not just a fast bowler; he is a gem of Indian cricket. He consistently bowls at speeds exceeding 145 km/h. He truly is the Kohinoor diamond of Indian cricket. Let him speak his mind. After Kapil Dev, has there been any bowler greater than Bumrah?” Ashwin remarked passionately on his channel.

Ashwin further urged fans and critics to acknowledge Bumrah’s resilience in maintaining his high-speed bowling even after recovering from a stress fracture. He likened fast bowlers to “tipper lorries” due to the immense physical demands placed on them.

“People often question how someone who has been injured can claim to be the fittest. There’s a significant difference. One is a tipper lorry and one is a Mercedes-Benz. A Mercedes-Benz can be driven carefully and is chauffeur-driven. A tipper lorry carries heavy loads across long distances and is prone to breakdowns. Fast bowlers endure tremendous strain and are like tipper lorries. Bumrah came back from a stress fracture and still bowls at 145 km/h. He deserves credit,” Ashwin added.

The Chennai Test, marking the beginning of India’s 10-match run for the upcoming season, provided a considerable confidence boost for Gambhir and his support staff.

Ashwin’s stellar all-round performance stood out, complemented by Ravindra Jadeja’s resilient knock of 86 runs in the first innings. The duo’s partnership of 199 runs rescued India from a precarious position of 144 for 6, lifting them to an imposing total of 376.

India’s dominance continued with Bumrah’s exceptional bowling that dismissed Bangladesh for a mere 149 runs. In the second innings, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill’s centuries bolstered India’s position further as they amassed a score of 287/4, setting a formidable target of 515 runs for Bangladesh. This target proved insurmountable as Ashwin’s six-wicket haul skittled them out for just 234 runs.

The second Test is scheduled to commence in Kanpur from September 27 onwards.