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India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli has heaped massive praise on his compatriot Jasprit Bumrah, calling him the toughest bowler he has ever faced. The 31-year-old pacer, who represents Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has troubled Kohli on multiple occasions, both in the IPL and in the nets.
Speaking in a video shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) official social media handles, Kohli admitted that Bumrah is the best bowler in the world across formats.
“No doubt about the fact that Jasprit (Bumrah) is the best bowler in the world across all the formats. He’s gotten me out a few times in the IPL. I’ve had success against him in the IPL, so whenever I face him, it’s like, ‘Okay, it’s going to be fun,’ because we don’t get to do that in the nets.”
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Kohli vs. Bumrah: A Rivalry Even in the Nets
Kohli further revealed that even in Team India’s net sessions, facing Bumrah feels like playing a high-intensity match.
“Even in the nets, it’s like playing a match. The intensity is the same as an IPL game. Every ball, I want to score runs, and he wants to get me out. So, it’s always a challenge. He’s at match intensity, I’m at match intensity. It’s the most enjoyable and toughest challenge I face.”
Bumrah’s ability to swing the ball, bowl toe-crushing yorkers, and deliver deceptive slower balls has made him a nightmare for batters worldwide. Despite facing world-class pacers like James Anderson, Pat Cummins, and Kagiso Rabada, Kohli rates Bumrah as the most challenging bowler he has encountered.
Bumrah’s IPL Journey: From Dismissing Kohli to Becoming an MI Legend
Bumrah made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians on April 4, 2013, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. On his very first appearance, he faced Virat Kohli, who smashed him for three boundaries in his opening over. However, the then 19-year-old Bumrah had the last laugh as he trapped Kohli LBW on the fifth ball of the over, securing his maiden IPL wicket.
Since then, Bumrah has grown into one of the most lethal fast bowlers in the world.
Jasprit Bumrah’s IPL Record:
- Matches: 133
- Wickets: 165
- Best Bowling Figures: 5/10
- Five-time IPL champion with Mumbai Indians
Bumrah remains a crucial figure for Mumbai Indians and Team India, known for his match-winning spells in crucial games. With Kohli acknowledging Bumrah as his toughest challenge, it further highlights the pacer’s status as one of the best bowlers of the modern era.
Kohli vs. Bumrah in IPL 2025? – Fans are eagerly waiting to see the two superstars battle it out once again when RCB and MI face off in the upcoming season!
