Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has lavished praise on pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, calling himself the bowler’s “No. 1 fan” and hailing him as one of the greatest legends of Indian cricket. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin reflected on Bumrah’s recent match-winning spells and explained why the pacer’s execution and awareness set him apart from his peers.
“He is on a different pedestal. It’s not just about his unique action—it’s the quality of execution,” Ashwin said, referencing Bumrah’s dismissal of Joe Root and Zak Crawley in the recent Leeds Test.
🔥 “I Played With a Legend”: Ashwin’s Emotional Tribute
Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in 2024, said he feels “very proud” to have shared the dressing room with Bumrah:
- “I batted against Jassi. I was in a team with Jassi. I’ve seen some fabulous victories with him.”
- “He is right up there—if not better than some of the batters in our country,” Ashwin added.
He also noted that Bumrah’s ability to trouble top batters like Root with subtle variations in length and seam movement is what makes him “a fabulous bowler”.
🧠 Beyond the Action: Execution Over Style
While Bumrah’s unorthodox bowling action often grabs attention, Ashwin emphasized that it’s the mental sharpness, wrist control, and body discipline that elevate him to elite status:
“The ball to Crawley—he’s almost past vertical, and yet lands it on middle stump. That takes unbelievable awareness and work ethic,” Ashwin explained.
📌 Why It Matters
- Bumrah currently tops the ICC Test bowler rankings and was named ICC Cricketer of the Year 2024
- Ashwin’s remarks highlight the growing recognition of bowlers as match-winners, not just support acts
- The tribute underscores Bumrah’s impact across formats, redefining India’s pace legacy
🔁 Share this article to celebrate Jasprit Bumrah’s rise as a modern-day great and the admiration he commands from cricketing legends.
