If every country gets a bowler like Jasprit Bumrah, Test cricket will keep flourishing: Irfan Pathan

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan hailed Jasprit Bumrah for his stellar performance against South Africa in the two-match Test series. The ace pacer represented the national team in red-ball cricket after staying out with a back injury since July 2022. He made his return as captain in the T20I series against Ireland and featured in the Asia Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, before making his comeback to the longest format of the game.

The 30-year-old was exceptional against the Proteas, picking 12 wickets in two matches. Courtesy of the same, the Ahmedabad-born cricketer was adjudged Player of the Tournament alongside departing Dean Elgar. Meanwhile, Pathan lauded Bumrah after the series and mentioned that if all the teams have a pacer like him, Test cricket will flourish.

“If you are prioritizing red-ball cricket even after surgery, you won’t get a bigger brand ambassador than him in bowling. If every country gets a bowler like Jasprit Bumrah, Test cricket will keep flourishing,” said Pathan on Star Sports.

I have fallen in love with Jasprit Bumrah's attitude: Irfan Pathan

Pathan was also impressed with Bumrah’s attitude against South Africa. When all the pacers were struggling in the opening match in Centurion, the pacer kept the visiting team alive, and skipper Rohit Sharma appreciated his efforts after the game, stating that Bumrah is not just an inspiration to Indian cricket but also for the rest of the world.

“I have fallen in love with Jasprit Bumrah's attitude, especially the way he has bowled after back surgery. He is not only an inspiration for Indian cricket but also for world cricket," said Pathan. 

Meanwhile, Bumrah is likely to take a break from the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan to keep himself fit for the five-match Test series against England. Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami may not feature in the T20I squad.