As India gears up for a high-stakes semi-final clash against England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath has backed India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah to rise to the occasion. The former Australia great described Bumrah as a “big-game player” and believes the Indian fast bowler has the temperament and skill to deliver when it matters most. India will face England at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5, with a place in the tournament final on the line.
With the pressure mounting, Bumrah is expected to lead India’s bowling attack once again. The Indian pacer already showed his big-match temperament during India’s crucial Super Eight clash against the West Indies team at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. At a stage when the Caribbean side looked set to accelerate through their middle order, Bumrah delivered a decisive over that shifted the momentum of the match.
In the 12th over, the right-arm quick dismissed the dangerous Shimron Hetmyer and the well-set Roston Chase in quick succession. That double strike broke the backbone of the West Indies middle order and played a crucial role in India eventually sealing a five-wicket win to book their spot in the semi-finals.
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Speaking about Bumrah’s ability to thrive under pressure, Glenn McGrath highlighted how elite players often elevate their performances in major tournaments. “I think Jasprit is a big-game player. Sometimes in big matches, players lift their game to another level. They enjoy those big moments and big challenges. I have total faith in Bumrah when it comes to big matches,” Glenn McGrath said.
The former Australian fast-bowling legend, who played a key role in Australia’s dominance in the late 1990s and 2000s, also shared his thoughts on handling pressure in global tournaments such as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
According to McGrath, the best teams don’t shy away from pressure—they embrace it. He explained that big tournaments are ultimately about performing on the grandest stage. Speaking at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, where he currently serves as director, McGrath reflected on his own experiences of playing in World Cup finals.
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“You enjoy the pressure. You simplify the game and focus on what you need to do. In the teams I played in, once we reached the final, we believed the job was almost done. The best players and the best teams perform when the stakes are highest,” he said.
As India prepare for another blockbuster knockout clash, the spotlight will once again fall on Bumrah. If recent performances are any indication, India’s pace leader could once again prove to be the difference-maker on the big stage.
