India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah has echoed Virat Kohli‘s now-famous assessment of the Indian Premier League, emphasizing that Test cricket remains the true benchmark for global respect in the sport.
In a candid conversation with Dinesh Karthik on Sky Sports, Bumrah reflected on Kohli’s viral quote—where the former Indian captain said the IPL was “five levels below” Test cricket—by reinforcing that the longer format continues to offer cricketers unmatched credibility.
“This is the format”: Bumrah champions Test cricket’s legacy
“Everybody is different. It comes from a time when test cricket was the pinnacle. This was the format I grew up watching. I always judge myself through this format. Current generation things are different. T20 cricket is there. Leagues are there. Thought processes have changed. Mindsets change. You cannot judge players or fast bowlers. Yes this is the purest format, but everybody is different,” Bumrah explained.
His words come amid growing debate about younger players turning away from red-ball cricket in pursuit of franchise fame and financial security. When asked whether younger pacers were uninterested in Test cricket, Bumrah acknowledged the tough choices they face.
“It’s very subjective to every individual. I understand the thought process. They have one career. We do not hide behind a bat. You have to put a lot of strain on your body. You have to look after your family and earn money. If sometimes their bodies won’t allow them to play the longest format and they still want to contribute towards the game, sometimes those smarter approaches,” he noted.
Respect over rewards: Bumrah invokes Kohli’s words
Still, despite acknowledging the complexities modern players face, Bumrah was unwavering in his belief that Test cricket is where respect is earned.
“I would encourage people to play this format to earn respect. Like Virat said in his interview, you will get respect through this format. You will get respect all over the world. If that is your motivation, this is the format. Different kinds of bodies, different mindsets. If you want fast-paced cricket, T20 and ODI cricket is the way to go.”
The elite few who excel across formats
Bumrah remains one of the few fast bowlers in the world excelling across all formats. With 205 wickets in just 45 Tests and a jaw-dropping average of 19.4—the best ever for any bowler with more than 200 Test wickets—his performance underlines why he holds the red-ball game in such high regard.
In an era where priorities are shifting rapidly, Bumrah’s advocacy for Test cricket serves not just as a defense of tradition, but a blueprint for lasting legacy in the sport.
