'Bowlers Don't Hide Behind Bats': Bumrah Reacts After Kohli Rates IPL 5 Level Below Tests – News18

He may have been in high spirits and emotional at having achieved his dream of winning an IPL trophy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru after 18 years but even that moment couldn’t diminish the love Virat Kohli has for Test cricket. Kohli rated the title winning season as one of the top moments of his glorious career but still ranked IPL five levels below Test cricket while having a chat with the broadcasters right after RCB became the champions earlier this month in Ahmedabad.
He then urged youngsters to prioritise red-ball cricket if they wish to earn respect.
Kohli’s teammate Jasprit Bumrah agrees with Kohli’s views but feels that the situation is different for everyone and especially for the bowlers who end up putting their body on the line.
“It is up to the individual. They have one career, and bowlers don’t hide behind a bat. A lot of strain is put on the body," Bumrah said on Star Sports. “You have a family to take care of and earn money. If sometimes their bodies don’t allow them to play red-ball cricket and they still want to contribute, it is better to be smarter."
“Everybody is different. I grew up watching Test cricket, which is the pinnacle for me. I judge myself based on performances in the longest format. The current generation is different. T20 cricket is there, and you have got different leagues. The mindset and thought process have changed. You can’t judge fast bowlers. Test cricket is the purest format, but everybody is different," he added.
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Bumrah is counted among the top fast bowlers of the modern era and like Kohli, he too encourages youngsters to play Test cricket.
“Like Virat Kohli said, you will earn respect by competing in this format. I will encourage young cricketers to play Test cricket and earn respect. If you want respect across the globe, red-ball cricket should be your motivation. If you like fast cricket, T20 and ODI cricket are the way forward," he said.
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