Australian fast-bowling great Glenn McGrath has thrown his weight behind Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a “big game player” and backing the Indian spearhead to play in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5.
Bumrah once again showed his temperament under pressure India vs West Indies Virtual Quarter Final in Eden Gardens. As the Caribbean side threatened to take control, the right-arm speedster produced a decisive over by dismissing the in-form Shimron Hetmyer and the well-built Roston Chase in the 12th over. The double strike broke the backbone of a strong middle order and paved the way for India’s five-wicket win, sealing their passage to the last four.
McGrath believes it’s moments like these that bring out the best in the 30-year-old.
“I think Jasprit is a big player. Sometimes in big games, these players lift themselves from their normal game. I’m not saying the focus is not there, but they really love the big moments, the big matches. When it comes to the big matches, I have complete faith in Bumrah,” McGrath said.
With India entering the knockout stages as strong contenders to defend the title, McGrath urged the team to embrace the pressure that comes with high-stakes cricket. India seemed to find top gear in their recent Super 8 matches, especially in the must-win encounter against the West Indies, after a convincing outing against Zimbabwe.
Few understand the demands of global tournaments better than McGrath. The former fast bowler, a key member of Australia’s dominant sides that won three consecutive Under-50 World Cups in 1999, 2003 and 2007, said the pressure should be seen as an opportunity rather than a burden.
Speaking at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, where he serves as director, McGrath reflected on how great teams rise on the biggest stage.
“You enjoy it. You just take it back to its simplest form. The team I played for, I just felt that our dangerous period was approaching the final. Once we were in the final, I thought the game was over. I think the team likes the pressure. They like the challenge. They’re up for it,” he said.
He added that elite players are defined by how they react when the stakes are highest.
“In the final, the big game, the best teams in the world, the best players, that’s where they perform. For me, the reason you went to the World Cup was to play the final and win the final. All the games leading up to it were just things you had to do to get there. You focused, you switched on and you enjoyed the pressure.”
As India prepares for the high-octane semi-final in Mumbai, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah will once again be in the limelight.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
March 3, 2026 09:33 IST
