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Star Indian cricketer and all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin, on Monday, September 23 announced the launch of his latest YouTube channel, ‘Ash Ki Baat’, after the conclusion of the first Test in Chennai. The 38-year-old, who recently featured in the first Test against Bangladesh, won the Player of the Match award after his brilliant hundred and a five-wicket haul, where he equalled late Australian legend Shane Warne’s record of most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket (37).
After the completion of the first Test on Sunday, September 22, Ashwin featured in the first episode of his newly launched channel and aimed to end the debate around “fittest cricketer in India” after Jasprit Bumrah’s remark got the fans talking. Earlier, Bumrah had named himself ahead of Virat Kohli while promoting fast bowlers. His reply sparked a massive outrage on social media and the veteran Indian off-spinner was then asked the same question.
Crowned jewel of Indian cricket: R Ashwin settles debate on “fittest cricketer in India”
Veteran Indian off-spinner, R Ashwin when asked about the ongoing debate on “fittest cricketer in India”, subtly requested fans to not make a big deal out of it, terming Bumrah as “crowned jewel of Indian cricket”. "Why do you want to make a big deal out of it? Jasprit Bumrah is a fast bowler who bowls at 145 kmph in this heat. He is the crown jewel of Indian cricket like the Kohinoor diamond. Let him say whatever he wants. Just accept it," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat'.
"People will immediately say that how can Bumrah be the fittest cricketer if he got injured. There is a huge difference between a tipper lorry and a Mercedes Benz. The Mercedes Benz needs to be handled with care as its parts are very costly. A tipper lorry will have to travel long distances without rest. A fast bowler is like a tipper lorry. It breaks down sometimes. However, even after so much stress, Bumrah came back and bowled at 145 kmph. Give some credit to him," Ashwin added, putting an end to the ongoing debate.
Watch R Ashwin open up on “India’s fittest cricketer”:
R Ashwin proved to be pivotal figure in India’s recent victory over Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai. While he spearheaded India to put up a comprehensive total in the first inning with his 113-run knock which included 11 boundaries and two sixes, he then starred with the ball finishing with the figures of 6/88 in his 21-over spell.
With this, he became the oldest player to score a century and take a five-fer in a Test match, breaking the record of Polly Umrigar. He also became the first cricketer in the history to take a five-fer and score a century at the same venue twice. He also stands second in the list, equally Shane Warne’s record of second-most five-fer in Test cricket history.
