India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, continues to receive worldwide praise after his decisive performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The right-arm pacer recently delivered a Player of the Match display in the final, helping the India national cricket team lift their third T20 World Cup title.
Bumrah’s performances throughout the tournament sparked discussions among former cricketers about where he stands among the greatest bowlers in the modern era. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, former England captain Michael Vaughan drew a striking comparison between Bumrah and football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“You’ve got to remember that I started watching or studying cricket in 1985, and he’s the best I’ve seen. He’s probably like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo – those kinds of players,” Michael Vaughan said.
WATCH – Ravindra Jadeja and Sanjay Manjrekar Turn ‘Bits and Pieces’ Debate Into A Funny Ad
Vaughan’s praise followed Bumrah’s outstanding bowling in the semi-final against the England national cricket team at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. In a high-scoring contest, Bumrah’s composure during the death overs helped India defend a challenging total and secure a thrilling seven-run victory.“Put Jasprit Bumrah in England’s team and they win it,” Michael Vaughan added while discussing the pacer’s overall impact.
Former England batter Mark Butcher also shared a similar viewpoint, highlighting how valuable Bumrah would be in any international side.
“I reckon if you put him in anybody’s team, they’ll win it,” Mark Butcher remarked. However, former England captain Alastair Alastair Cook raised an interesting perspective while acknowledging Bumrah’s greatness across formats. “Is he the best in terms of match-winning spells in Test cricket? Without a shadow of a doubt, he is the best all-format bowler around, I think. I mean, you can safely say that,” Cook said. “But has he, like, in a Test match bowled a spell like an 8/15, or is he not that kind of bowler?” he added.
Vaughan, however, defended the Indian fast bowler by recalling his memorable spells during India’s tours of Australia.
ALSO READ: Salman Agha Speaks On Sportsman Spirit After Controversial Mehidy Hasan Run-Out
“I’ve seen him a bit in Australia. Some of the spells have been different – that too on flat decks,” Michael Vaughan said. Bumrah’s numbers in Test cricket underline his consistency. In 52 matches, he has taken 234 wickets at an impressive average of 19.79, with his best figures of 6/27 coming against the West Indies national cricket team in 2019.
