Ravichandran Ashwin came out in strong defense of Jasprit Bumrah after the star Indian pacer was attacked by fans on social media for his remark after being asked who the 'fittest cricketer' is.
Bumrah named himself in a reply that divided opinions while hinting that he was aware the reporter wanted him to take former Indian captain Virat Kohli's name. A section of supporters questioned his claim while putting out Kohli's credentials for the tag. Many also called out his injury record.
"I know the answer that you are searching for but I would like to say my name because I am a fast bowler. “I've been playing for a while. Being a fast bowler and playing in this country in the heat takes a lot of requirement. So I'll always promote fast bowlers and always take their name,” said Bumrah at an event recently.
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R Ashwin Slams Jasprit Bumrah Detractors
Ashwin slammed supporters for criticizing Bumrah for his comment and questioned the need to ask a question if you want a pre-determined answer. Ashwin labeled Bumrah as the 'crown jewel' of Indian cricket and claimed he has earned the right to say whatever he wants.
"Jasprit Bumrah is a fast bowler. He keeps bowling 145 km/h. He is a crown jewel in Indian cricket. He is the Kohinoor diamond of Indian cricket. Let him say whatever he wants. After Kapil Dev, has there been an Indian bowler bigger than Bumrah?
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"Virat Kohli is a big cricketer. He is wonderful cricketer, but how does this happen that I ask you a question and I only decide the answer. Then don't ask the question only. Virat Kohli is the fittest cricketer, there is no doubt in that," said Ashwin in the launch video of hisHindi Youtube Channel 'Ash ki Baat'
"People want to say that he got injured, how is he the fittest cricketer? There is a lot of difference. One is a tipper lorry and one is a Mercedes Benz. Mercedes Benz can be driven carefully, it's chauffeur-driven. Tipper Lorry has to move from north to south with so much load. A fast bowler is a tipper lorry, they will break down. He has come back from a stress fracture and is bowling at 145 km/h. Give him credit. He is the Kohinoor Diamond of Indian cricket. Let him say what he wants. We will agree," Ashwin added.
Bumrah and Ashwin Star In India's Chennai Test Victory
Ashwin won the Player of the Match (POTM) award in the first Test between India and Bangladesh as the hosts won by 280 runs. The 38-year-old scored a century in the first innings and took a five-wicket haul in the fourth innings. Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers in Bangladesh's first innings with the bat as he took a four-wicket haul.