Shahid Afridi Hail India’s World Cup Win, Lauds Jasprit Bumrah’s Impact In The Match

Shahid Afridi praised India after their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, hailing Jasprit Bumrah as the backbone of India’s bowling attack

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi praised India national cricket team for their commanding victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, stating that the team fully deserved the title. India sealed the championship with a massive 96-run win over New Zealand national cricket team in the final on March 8.

Afridi highlighted India’s strong squad depth and overall team balance, pointing out that even players on the bench were capable of making an impact in the playing XI.

“The World Cup is over. I think India deserved the title. They have a great team combination. The players sitting on the bench were also as good as the playing XI. This is why I say that your bench needs to be strong. India’s bench was very strong; they could have picked anyone from there and slotted them into the playing XI. They played the whole tournament as champions,” Afridi said in a video on his X account.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Match-Winning Spell Earns Special Praise

Afridi also reserved special praise for India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who delivered a brilliant spell in the final. The Ahmedabad-born pacer picked up four wickets for just 15 runs in his four overs, playing a crucial role in restricting New Zealand.

Apart from Bumrah, Afridi also applauded the batting performances of Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who contributed significantly to India’s triumph.

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“Sanju Samson was outstanding. He got the opportunity and he delivered with his sensible hitting and his ability to build the innings. Abhishek Sharma also performed well tonight. Ishan Kishan also performed outstandingly, just like he had performed against Pakistan. Jasprit Bumrah was the backbone of their bowling who has carried India on his back for a long time with his impressive performances. Be it with the new ball, old ball, slower one or yorker, he is one of the best bowlers in my opinion,” he added.

Javed Miandad Credits India’s Strong Cricketing Structure

Afridi was not the only former Pakistan cricketer to praise India. Legendary batter Javed Miandad also lauded India’s success, crediting their well-structured cricket system for consistently producing high-quality talent.

“Their team (India) is now reaping the benefits of a strong process-driven cricket structure,” Miandad said.

“If you look at the talent they are producing now, it is because of their strong structure. They are not short on batters, spinners or fast bowlers, and their young players are result-driven and have game awareness,” he added.