New Delhi: India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has weighed in on the ongoing debate between Test cricket and T20 leagues, offering a balanced perspective on the growing preference among younger fast bowlers for the shorter format of the game.
In a candid conversation with former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik on Sky Sports, Bumrah reflected on the changing priorities of modern-day pacers, especially in an era where the strain of red-ball cricket often clashes with the commercial and physical appeal of T20s.
“We do not hide behind a bat,” Bumrah said, highlighting the physical demands of fast bowling. “You have to put a lot of strain on your body. You have to look after your family and earn money.”
The remarks come in the wake of Virat Kohli’s statement following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 title win, where the former captain said that winning the IPL was “five levels below” a Test victory in terms of personal satisfaction. Kohli, throughout his career, has remained a vocal advocate for Test cricket, often calling it the “pinnacle of the sport.”
Bumrah, while agreeing with Kohli that Test cricket remains the purest format, also expressed empathy for those who opt for T20 cricket, particularly bowlers who struggle to maintain the physical conditioning required for Test matches.
“It’s very subjective to every individual. Some players’ bodies won’t allow them to play the longest format, and if they still want to contribute to the game, those are smarter approaches,” Bumrah stated.
Currently ranked ICC World No. 1 in Test bowling, Bumrah emphasized that, for him personally, Test cricket remains the ultimate benchmark of a player’s skill and character.
“I judge myself through this format. I grew up watching Test cricket. Yes, this is the purest format, but everyone is different. You cannot judge players or fast bowlers for their choices,” he added.
He acknowledged the shift in the cricketing ecosystem, where the rise of global T20 leagues has changed mindsets and incentivized shorter formats, especially among younger players looking for financial security and longevity.
Quoting Kohli, Bumrah urged emerging players to understand the legacy and prestige that comes with excelling in red-ball cricket.
“Like Virat said in his interview, you will get respect through this format. You will get respect all over the world.”
Bumrah himself remains a rare example of elite success across formats. Having recently been crowned Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup, while also dominating Test cricket, he serves as a role model for aspiring fast bowlers navigating the balance between physical demands and format preference.
As India prepares to face England in the upcoming five-Test series, Bumrah’s voice adds depth to the ongoing discussion about the future of Test cricket, especially among pacers, many of whom are caught between dreams of legacy and the practicalities of career sustainability.
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