By In the world of cricket, comparisons are often drawn between generations — a natural part of honoring the past while embracing the present. But rarely does a player receive praise that elevates them to the same pedestal as a certified legend. That’s exactly what’s happening with Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, who is now being spoken of in the same breath as Australia’s Glenn McGrath.
Known for his laser-sharp accuracy, deceptive pace, and unmatched composure under pressure, Bumrah’s performances — especially in the T20 World Cup and critical Test matches — have prompted cricketing pundits, ex-players, and fans to crown him as one of the greatest fast bowlers of the modern era.
Recently, a former international star remarked, “He is so relentless, so precise — it’s like watching McGrath all over again, but with a yorker to match.” High praise, considering McGrath is widely regarded as the most accurate fast bowler the game has ever seen, with over 900 international wickets and a legacy built on discipline and ruthlessness, especially in the T20 World Cup and critical Test matches.
Bumrah’s journey to greatness hasn’t been conventional. Unlike many fast bowlers, his unorthodox action, combined with late swing and brutal yorkers, has made him nearly impossible to predict — a nightmare for batters across all formats. What makes him stand out even more is his ability to deliver in crunch moments. Whether it’s defending a low total in a World Cup match or delivering a match-turning spell on a lifeless track, Bumrah has repeatedly proven why he’s India’s most valuable bowling asset.
His recent performances in the 2024–25 season have only solidified his standing. In the T20 World Cup, Bumrah was nearly unplayable, often giving away less than six runs an over and picking up wickets at crucial junctures. Cricket legends like Michael Vaughan and Dale Steyn have applauded his ability to “bend time,” with Steyn even tweeting, “Bumrah’s consistency reminds me of McGrath — and that’s not something I say lightly.”
Statistics support the comparison too. Bumrah’s bowling average across formats is among the best in the modern game, and his strike rate continues to improve with every season. While McGrath relied on relentless line and length, Bumrah brings the same discipline but adds pace, variations, and deception into the mix — making him arguably more versatile in the T20 and ODI formats.
What separates Bumrah from others in his era is not just skill but temperament. His ability to remain calm under pressure, adapt to conditions, and execute plans with precision puts him in rare company. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri once called him “a captain’s dream,” while Sachin Tendulkar has often referred to him as “the best fast bowler India has ever produced.”
With age on his side and fitness carefully managed, Bumrah is likely to be a dominant force for years to come. If he continues at this level, the comparison with McGrath may soon shift from being flattering to being entirely justified.
After all, in an age of flashy power-hitters and flat pitches, it’s bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah who remind us that precision, planning, and perseverance still rule the game. Jasprit Bumrah continues to amaze the cricketing world with his unmatched control, lethal accuracy, and calm under pressure. His recent performances have led many to place him alongside Australian legend Glenn McGrath. Former players have praised Bumrah’s consistency and precision, calling him “a modern-day McGrath with a deadly yorker.” With his ability to dominate across formats and deliver in crunch situations, Bumrah is redefining fast bowling and establishing a legacy that may one day rival the very legends he’s now compared to.
