Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath expressed concern about Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah after the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026. McGrath said Bumrah could become a white-ball specialist to manage his workload, adding that fast bowlers cannot play Test matches continuously.
The 32-year-old finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the recent T20 World Cup. He took 14 wickets at an incredible average of 12.42 and economy of 6.21. After demolishing New Zealand, this bowler was chosen Player of the Final. He also won the Player of the Tournament award in 2024.
It is becoming difficult for Jasprit Bumrah to play back-to-back Test matches – Glenn McGrath
Speaking on the Fast Bowling Cartel YouTube channel, Glenn McGrath shared his views on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload. The legendary fast bowler said that Bumrah has unique skills but he questioned how long the experienced fast bowler can sustain playing Test matches continuously.
McGrath said, “My concern, as he has got a bit older now, is that it is becoming difficult for him to play Test matches consistently. Will he start concentrating just on white-ball cricket? If he did it would be a big loss for Test cricket. We will rarely see him in Test matches, maybe against Australia.”
He said, “He is so good. When he comes on, he looks completely different to every other fast bowler. Batsmen try to line up every other bowler when they are set, but not him. What I like about Bumrah is that he bowls good Test match lengths successfully in T20. His other variations are also brilliant. He is just a gun.”
Jasprit Bumrah is growing his reputation – Damien Fleming
Former Australian fast bowler Damien Fleming has praised Jasprit Bumrah, saying he is a complete maverick who continues to enhance his global reputation. Fleming said that during the recent final match, he was completely mesmerized by Bumrah’s magical slow ball.
“That slower ball of his is like a curveball in baseball. It’s absolutely brilliant. You wonder, with these great fast bowlers, when do they last? With every big tournament or big series, Bumrah is growing his reputation. When will it stop? He’s an absolute freak, Jasprit Bumrah,” Fleming said (via the above source).
Jasprit Bumrah’s charge ahead of 2027 ODI World Cup
Jasprit Bumrah has been battling serious injuries, which forced him out of several Test matches last year. However, the Indian team management has managed his workload by using him selectively. He will focus on 50-over matches and Tests before the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Bumrah will next be seen playing for Mumbai Indians. He will lead the bowling attack in the much-awaited IPL 2026 season before the management finalizes the long-term plan.
After the IPL, the national selection committee, VVS Laxman, Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill will discuss Bumrah’s future assignment. The main ODI fast bowling pool will primarily include Bumrah along with Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.
Notably, the Men in Blue will play their next Test match against Afghanistan, which is not a part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. They will travel to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series in August.
Also read: Michael Vaughan trolls South Africa by calling him ‘the stupidest team in T20 World Cup 2026’
