'Obviously a world-class bowler' - Mitchell Santner praises Jasprit Bumrah’s match-winning spell against England in T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final

When an Indian captain is in trouble, they turn to Jasprit Bumrah. This isn't a secret now, but what's impressive is how the bowler has managed to stay relevant for years now, across formats. Ahead of the New Zealand vs India encounter in the T20 World Cup 2026 final, Mitchell Santner heaped praise on the right-arm pacer and how well he bowled in the semi-final clash against England. 

Santner called him a 'world-class bowler' during the press conference before the game on Sunday, March 8 in Ahmedabad. The New Zealand skipper also mentioned about how well the Indian team has performed throughout the tournament in this edition of the World Cup. 

"In terms of Bumrah I think it should be in everyone's conversation, the way he's been going. I think England looked pretty hard to hit, and he was obviously the game changer for India the other night," said Mitchell Santner at the press conference on Saturday. 

"We knew that was going to be the case, he's obviously a world-class bowler, but not just him," Santner added. "I think the way everyone's been rolling in their team, whether it's with bat or ball, everyone's stepped up at different times and as a team that's where you want to be."

That's the goal, to silence the crowd: Mitchell Santner

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner spoke about 'silencing the crowd' in the T20 World Cup 2026 final. He was quite open about how they need to perform in order to beat any big. They did defeat an unbeaten South Africa in the semi-final, thanks to Finn Allen's 33-ball century. There will be pressure on India as well since they are playing the finals at home, hence, that might work in favor of New Zealand. 

“That's the goal, to silence the crowd. There are a lot of variables in T20 cricket, and it can be fickle at times, as we've seen throughout the World Cup. A lot of teams are on the same page, and it comes down to a few little moments in every game that change the outcome. So I think India were very close to chasing that the other night,” said Santner.

“If we go about our business the same way, we can upset another big team. And I think there is obviously a lot of pressure on India to win this World Cup at home. I guess if we don't win, it'd be pretty cool to win a home at the World Cup. So I think that comes with a lot of added pressure as well. So if we can go out there and try and put, I guess, the added pressure on them and see what happens,” he added.

Where to watch New Zealand vs India match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the New Zealand vs India match on March 8 online on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson: Who should open for India?