Faf du Plessis Calls Jasprit Bumrah a ‘Genie’ After Match-Winning Spell

India’s pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah once again showcased his match-winning abilities in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England, earning praise from former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, who likened him to a “genie.”

Defending a daunting total of 253, India faced a tense finish as England’s chase, powered by Jacob Bethell’s 105, brought them within reach. With 45 runs needed off the final three overs, captain Suryakumar Yadav turned to Bumrah for the crucial 18th over. The right-arm pacer delivered with calm precision, mixing pinpoint yorkers and deceptive full deliveries to concede just six runs, swinging the momentum back to India.

Du Plessis Compares Bumrah to a Genie

Speaking after the victory, du Plessis emphasized Bumrah’s importance to any team.

“Team India probably doesn’t realise how fortunate they are to have him,” he said.

“You just hand him the ball, and he finds a way to win matches for you. It’s a superpower every captain would want. It’s like having a genie, you rub the lamp, and Bumrah appears.”

Bumrah’s figures of 1-33 in four overs came in a match that saw a combined total of 499 runs, highlighting the difficulty bowlers faced on a batter-friendly surface.

The Secret Behind Bumrah’s Magic

Du Plessis also praised Bumrah’s unconventional bowling action, noting its impact on batters.

“Even when the batter knows what’s coming, a yorker or a slower ball, it’s still hard to line him up,” he explained. “His action is unique, and the ball comes out so quickly that batters struggle to react in time.”

At 32 years old, Bumrah continues to be a decisive weapon for India in T20 cricket. His ability to deliver under pressure, combined with his unique technique, makes him one of the most feared bowlers in the world.