Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up about his relationship with Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. He revealed that he shares a special bond with Bumrah because their friendship is full of fun and banter.
Ashwin played alongside the trio during his international career. He shared a close bonhomie with Kohli and Rohit for several years and also paired with Bumrah in India’s successful victories across all formats.
Ashwin was at the peak of his prowess when Bumrah made his debut in 2016.
Ashwin said on Vimal Kumar’s YouTube Channel, “Virat was a motivational captain who led by example. Rohit was a tactically astute captain. So I’ve had a great relationship with all three but treasure the one with Bumrah. I would always have the relationship that is the most fun ahead of the others. Hence, my relationship with Bumrah has always been the most enjoyable.”
The former all-rounder revealed he never had cricket-related conversations with Bumrah.
He added, “I have a great relationship with Bumrah because all we do is have fun with each other. We never have cricket-related conversations. Either I pull his leg, or he pulls mine. So our relationship is very banter-oriented. With Virat, my relationship got better once he became a player after captaincy. And with Rohit, I’ve always had a great relationship too.”
The former CSK star praised Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for their continued domination in the 50-over format.
“Where did they go to rediscover themselves? But Rohit had to work hard, as it hasn’t been easy. For Virat Kohli, it’s been easier because he has always been fit. It looks like he never went anywhere. But for Rohit, he has had to work on his fitness and his overall game. Hopefully Rohit’s mission of winning an ODI World Cup happens. And with Virat, all his hard work is a lesson for everybody. If you want to have a long career, then you’ll have to respect the game and work hard as Virat has done,” said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).
Rohit, Virat and Bumrah will be seen in action on the New Zealand tour.
