Earlier this week, Jasprit Bumrah became the first Indian fast bowler to achieve the No.1 position in the ICC Test rankings for bowlers.

Bumrah accomplished this feat on the back of his nine-wicket haul (9/91) in the second Test match against England in Vizag. Thanks to his heroics, India registered a series-equalling 106-run victory.

After getting the ultimate recognition from ICC, the right-arm quick also received rich praise from former India head coach Ravi Shastri.

In an exclusive chat with ‘The Times’, Shastri lauded Bumrah's commitment to Test cricket, highlighting the pacer's keenness to break the stereotype of a "white-ball specialist."

Shastri also recalled his initial conversation with Bumrah when he was associated with the Indian team as head coach.

“I asked him would he be interested in Test cricket. He said that would be the biggest day of his life," Shastri stated.

"He was labelled as a white-ball cricketer without asking him. But I knew. I wanted to see how hungry he was. I told him to get ready, be prepared. I told him I was going to unleash him in South Africa," he added.

Before his Test debut in January 2018, Jasprit Bumrah had already established himself as India’s leading pacer in white-ball cricket.

However, Shastri emphasized the significance of Test cricket, saying: "They will always remember your numbers in Test cricket."

Shastri was full of praise for Bumrah’s exceptional performance in the Vizag Test against England.

"He's so excited to be playing and doing well in Test cricket," the former coach said.

During the Vizag Test, Bumrah also became the fastest Indian pacer to pick up 150 Test wickets, in just his 34th match.

With the series evenly poised at 1-1, it is important for India that Jasprit Bumrah maintains his good form in the remaining three Tests against England.

The third Test match is scheduled to be held in Rajkot from February 15.