Jasprit Bumrah, India's star fast bowler and former Test vice-captain, has once again reaffirmed his unwavering belief in Test cricket as the highest form of the game. As India prepares to face England in a much-anticipated five-match Test series, Bumrah’s remarks resonate deeply with the sentiments once echoed by Virat Kohli, who also hailed the red-ball format as the pinnacle of cricketing respect.

In a candid interview with Sky Sports, conducted by Dinesh Karthik, Bumrah reflected on the growing trend of fast bowlers opting for shorter formats like T20s, especially in the age of franchise cricket. Referencing the paths taken by players such as Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson, Bumrah expressed empathy for bowlers managing their bodies and careers, while drawing a clear line between his personal values and the professional choices of others.

“It’s very subjective to every individual,” Bumrah noted. “I understand the thought process behind fast bowlers choosing and taking care of their body because they have one career. We don’t hide behind a bat so we have to put a lot of strain on our body."

He elaborated on the various pressures fast bowlers face, including financial security, longevity in their careers, and personal well-being. Yet, for Bumrah, Test cricket remains the ultimate stage.

“I come from a time when Test cricket was the pinnacle. This is the format I grew up watching and I always judge myself through this format,” he said.

Test Cricket as a Measure of Respect: Echoing Virat Kohli

Bumrah's comments closely follow those of Virat Kohli, who after leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their first-ever IPL title earlier this month, ranked the victory "five levels below" his experiences in Test cricket.

"This moment is right up there with the best moments I've had in my career. But it still marks five levels under Test cricket,” Kohli had said. “If you perform in Test cricket, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye and shake your hand and say, well done, you played the game really well.”

Bumrah endorsed this perspective wholeheartedly.

“Like Virat said in his interview… you'll get respect through this format and you'll get respect all over the world. If that is the motivation, this is the format,” he added.

Understanding the Modern Cricketer's Dilemma

While standing firm on his love for Test cricket, Bumrah did not criticize those choosing to focus on shorter formats. He emphasized that cricketing careers are deeply personal and subject to unique circumstances.

“You have to look after your family, earn money, and think about your long-term health. Sometimes, if their bodies won’t allow them to play Tests and they still want to contribute to the game, those are smarter decisions,” Bumrah explained.

Yet, he urged young cricketers to look at Test cricket not just as a format, but as a way to earn unmatched credibility and respect in the sport.

Bumrah’s Role in India’s Test Rebuild

Bumrah’s return to Test cricket coincides with a transitional phase in Indian cricket. Shubman Gill, the new Test captain, will lead a relatively younger team, as the two-time World Test Championship finalists begin yet another cycle aiming for glory.

Bumrah’s experience, resilience, and passion for the red-ball game will be pivotal as India embarks on this journey in England’s challenging conditions. His presence not only strengthens India’s bowling attack but also serves as a moral compass for the next generation of players—showing them that despite the glamour and financial rewards of T20 leagues, the true soul of cricket lives in the whites.

The Broader Conversation Around Test Cricket

The comments by Bumrah and Kohli serve as a timely reminder in an era increasingly dominated by franchise T20 cricket. The introduction of various leagues across the world has created lucrative opportunities for cricketers, but also led to debates on the diminishing importance of Test cricket.

While some veterans like Boult and Ferguson opt out of international and red-ball commitments to manage their bodies and focus on T20 circuits, Bumrah insists that Test cricket offers rewards that are deeper, richer, and more enduring.

Conclusion

As India sets out to face England in a high-stakes Test series, Jasprit Bumrah's reaffirmation of Test cricket’s importance serves as both a declaration of his own values and a rallying cry for the sport’s purists. Echoing Virat Kohli, he places the red-ball game on a pedestal far above its glitzier counterparts, reminding players and fans alike that true cricketing respect is earned in whites.

Whether India can convert this passion into series success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: for Bumrah, Test cricket isn't just a format — it's a calling.

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