Ravichandran Ashwin has slammed critics for their statements on Jasprit Bumrah after the latter declared himself as the fittest cricketer. Ashwin also lauded the pacer for his ability to ball quickly and win matches for India National Cricket Team.

“I know the answer you are looking for, but I would call myself the fittest Indian cricketer because I am a fast bowler. It requires a lot to be a pacer so I will always promote a seamer,” Jasprit Bumrah had said.

During his conversation with Vimal Kumar, Ashwin slammed the media for their negative comments on the speedster. The 38-year-old called Jasprit Bumrah a crowned jewel.

“Jasprit Bumrah is a fast bowler who bowls at 145 kmph. He is a crowned jewel of Indian cricket and is also the Kohinoor diamond of Indian cricket. He has the right to say anything. Bumrah is the best Indian pacer after Kapil Dev,” he said.

“People are saying that he gets injured and that he is not the fittest in India. There is a lot of difference between a tipper lorry and a Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz is driven carefully, and it is chauffeur-driven. Tipper Lorry has to move from north to south with so much load. A seamer is like a tipper lorry, and he will break down. Bumrah came back from a stress fracture and is bowling at 145 kmph. He deserves credit,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ashwin was named the Player of the Match for taking 6 wickets and scoring a hundred in the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. He will return to action for the second and final Test, starting on September 27.