Jasprit Bumrah shared his views on the Tests v T20s debate ignited by former India captain Virat Kohli. Kohli’s words came after his 18-year wait for the IPL title ended with RCB winning the IPL 2025 tournament.

Virat Kohli had remarked after the match that even such an achievement ranked five levels below Test cricket in his eyes. A lifelong advocate of the format, Kohli has often called Test cricket the highest form of the game.

Echoing that sentiment, India’s pace ace Jasprit Bumrah also acknowledged that Test cricket remains the pinnacle for him. At the same time, Bumrah expressed understanding for players—especially bowlers—who gave up Test careers in favour of T20 leagues.

In a conversation with Virat Kohli’s IPL team, RCB’s mentor and former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, Jasprit Bumrah acknowledged the shifting mindset among emerging fast bowlers, many of whom now view T20 cricket as offering a more promising future than the traditional Test format.

"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 are smarter approaches," Bumrah said in an interaction on Sky Sports.

Bumrah, the No. 1-ranked ICC Test bowler at the moment, however, did claim that Test cricket is still the ultimate platform and format for him.

“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. In the 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," Bumrah said.

Bumrah urged players to take Kohli's words to heart and show respect for the longest format of the game, emphasizing the value and legacy of Test cricket.

"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," Bumrah stated.

While Kohli has retired from Test cricket, Bumrah is gearing up for the five-Test series challenge against England. The first Test of the series will be played at Headingley from June 20 onwards.