Jasprit Bumrah shared his thoughts on the shifting mindset among fast bowlers, many of whom now prioritize T20 cricket over Test matches. After finally winning his first Indian Premier League (IPL) title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025—ending an 18-year wait—Virat Kohli stated that this achievement still ranks several levels below Test cricket in his eyes. Throughout his career, Kohli has been a strong advocate for Test cricket, calling it the sport’s ultimate form. Reflecting on Kohli’s views, Bumrah also affirmed that Test cricket remains the highest standard for him. At the same time, he expressed understanding for players, especially bowlers, who have chosen to sacrifice their Test careers in favor of playing in T20 leagues.
Jasprit Bumrah on the Changing Mindset of Fast Bowlers and the Value of Test Cricket
In a conversation with Dinesh Karthik, Kohli’s mentor at RCB and former India wicket-keeper batter, Jasprit Bumrah acknowledged the shifting mentality among young fast bowlers who increasingly see a better future in T20 cricket rather than Test matches.
“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,” Bumrah said during the Sky Sports interaction.
He added, “If sometimes their bodies won’t allow them to play the longest format and they still want to contribute towards the game, sometimes those are smarter approaches.”
Though Jasprit Bumrah, currently the ICC’s No. 1-ranked Test bowler, admitted that Test cricket remains the ultimate format for him personally.
“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. In the 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,” he explained.
Jasprit Bumrah also encouraged players to heed Virat Kohli’s advice and respect the longest format of the game. “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,” Bumrah stated.
Having excelled across formats, Jasprit Bumrah’s career highlights include holding the No. 1 Test bowler ranking and being named ‘Player of the Tournament’ in a T20 World Cup.
