India has long been recognized for its exceptional batting talent, but Ravichandran Ashwin believes the country’s bowling prowess has significantly improved in recent years. Ashwin, the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket, recently spoke about the rise in quality and depth of India’s bowling resources, singling out one teammate as a “once-in-a-generation” talent, though he didn’t mention the name directly.

“India has always been a batsman-dominated country, and it’s never going to change, but I am so glad and happy that we are celebrating Jasprit Bumrah. Jasprit Bumrah is a once-in-a-generation bowler. We should celebrate him even more,” Ravichandran Ashwin said in an interview on Vimal Kumar’s YouTube channel.

The off-spinner further praised the way Chennai’s cricket enthusiasts hold bowlers in high regard. He recalled an event in Chennai where Bumrah received what Ashwin called a “Rajni treatment,” referencing the immense admiration usually reserved for superstar Rajnikanth.

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“We Chennai people appreciate bowlers a lot. He was here for an event as a chief guest 4-5 days ago. We gave him a Rajni treatment. We treat bowlers very nicely. He should be treated as a champion,” Ravichandran Ashwin remarked.

Ravichandran Ashwin said, “Jasprit Bumrah was in Chennai and we gave him a Rajni treatment.” pic.twitter.com/TMeaQySycE

— Cricket Chamber (@cricketchamber) September 16, 2024

Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t stop there, naming Bumrah as India’s most valuable cricketer at the moment. Bumrah had a stellar performance recently, winning the Player of the Tournament award after India clinched the T20 World Cup in June, ending a 17-year drought.

“I don’t want to name, but Jasprit Bumrah is the most valuable Indian cricketer right now,” Ravichandran Ashwin concluded.

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At 37, Ashwin is set to make his return to the national squad for the first time in six months. He is part of the 16-man squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19 at Chennai’s iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. India currently leads the World Test Championship (WTC) points table and will be looking to extend their lead over second-placed Australia with a commanding performance against Bangladesh.