Veteran cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has come to the defense of Jasprit Bumrah, who faced accusations of ball-tampering during the recent Sydney Test against Australia. Bumrah did not bowl after suffering from back spasms on Day 2, which contributed to Australia chasing down a target of 162 runs to win the match by six wickets, clinching the series 3-1.

The controversy arose when a viral video showed Bumrah adjusting his shoes, during which a suspicious object appeared to fall out. Rival fans quickly speculated that it was sandpaper, prompting calls for an ICC investigation. However, Ashwin dismissed these claims with humor, clarifying that the object was merely a “finger protection pad.” He took to social media to alleviate concerns, stating, “That’s a finger protection pad,” effectively quashing the rumours.

Watch the video here.

Despite the accusations, Bumrah finished the series as the leading wicket-taker with 32 wickets, showcasing his exceptional performance throughout. While Indian fans praised Bumrah’s contributions, they also raised questions about the future of several veteran players following the team’s overall disappointing performance in the series. In a tense atmosphere, Bumrah’s achievements provided a silver lining amid criticism directed at the team.