Jasprit Bumrah Discusses the Differences Between IPL and Test Cricket
Bumrah's Perspective on Cricket Formats
Jasprit Bumrah, the prominent Indian pacer, recently shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate between the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Test cricket. He emphasized that not every player’s body can handle the physical demands of the five-day format. This discussion gained traction after Virat Kohli remarked that the IPL is significantly behind Test cricket following his team's victory in the 2025 IPL.
During a recent interview with SkySports, hosted by Dinesh Karthik, who is also the mentor for RCB this season, Bumrah addressed the comparison. He pointed out that every player has responsibilities, whether they are the ones 'hiding behind the bat' or those who endure long spells in Test matches. Bumrah stated,
"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."
In a previous conversation with Michael Clarke, Bumrah expressed his views on aggressive celebrations after taking wickets. He mentioned that he prefers to show respect to his opponents and does not want to appear foolish with over-the-top celebrations.
Understanding the Differences in Player Perspectives
Bumrah, who has faced multiple injuries throughout his career, understands how different players' bodies respond to various formats. Reflecting on his childhood, he noted that Test cricket was once viewed as the ultimate challenge. However, he acknowledged that perspectives have shifted over time. He believes that if a player opts for limited-overs cricket to earn respect, there is nothing wrong with that choice. He remarked,
"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."
He further added,
"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."
Bumrah is among the few players who have excelled in both league and international formats, despite facing injury challenges that have impacted his captaincy. He is set to participate in only three Tests against England.