After Virat Kohli ranked the IPL five levels below Test cricket following RCB's win earlier this month in Ahmedabad, Jasprit Bumrah agreed with Kohli’s views but stated that the situation is different for everyone and especially for the bowlers who end up putting their body on the line. He acknowledged the physical toll bowling takes and the necessity for individuals to prioritise their careers and family needs.

“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.

While Bumrah agreed that Test cricket represents the pinnacle of the sport and encouraged young players to strive for respect through it, at the same time, he also recognized the evolving landscape of T20 cricket and how it influences current players' mindsets.

“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 concluded.

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