Jason Gillespie names Pakistan pacer ahead of Jasprit Bumrah in his greatest T20 bowlers list

Jason Gillespie names Pakistan pacer ahead of Jasprit Bumrah in his greatest T20 bowlers list

Former Australia Fast Bowler Jason Gillespie Ranks Top T20 Bowlers of All Time

During the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026, former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie recently shared his list of the greatest T20 bowlers of all time. This ranking has sparked debate amongst cricket fans as Gillespie placed former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul ahead of India’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

Gillespie’s Top Picks

Speaking on The Fast Bowling Cartel YouTube channel, Gillespie ranked Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga as the number one T20 bowler of all time. Malinga, known for his deadly yorkers, took 390 wickets in T20 cricket with an impressive average under 20 and an economy rate of 7.07. He played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup victory in 2014.

Umar Gul, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup triumph, secured the second spot on Gillespie’s list. With 222 wickets in 167 matches at an average of 20.16 and an economy rate of 7.65, Gul’s contribution to Pakistan’s T20 success was undeniable.

Despite being widely recognized as the best fast bowler in the world currently, Jasprit Bumrah was placed at number three by Gillespie. Bumrah’s stellar performance in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win and his record of 334 wickets in 264 T20 matches at an average of 20.36 solidify his position among the top T20 bowlers of all time.

Following Bumrah, Gillespie ranked Mitchell Starc and Hasan Ali at number four and five, respectively, in his list of top T20 bowlers.

McGrath’s Selection

In a separate ranking by former Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath, two Indian players made it to his list of the greatest T20I bowlers of all time. McGrath placed Jasprit Bumrah at the top of his list, recognizing Bumrah’s exceptional skills and impact on the game.

McGrath included young Indian bowler Arshdeep Singh in his top five, highlighting Singh’s impressive performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets. Singh currently holds the title of India’s leading T20I wicket-taker with 121 scalps in 78 matches.

Other bowlers in McGrath’s list include Tim Southee, Lasith Malinga, and Mustafizur Rahman, showcasing a diverse selection of talent from around the world.

Both Gillespie and McGrath’s rankings have sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts, with debates on social media platforms about the legacy and impact of these legendary bowlers in the T20 format.

As the T20 World Cup 2026 progresses, fans eagerly anticipate more extraordinary bowling performances that could potentially alter the rankings of these top bowlers of all time.

Evolution of T20 Bowling

Over the years, the T20 format has revolutionized the game of cricket, placing a greater emphasis on bowlers who can adapt to the fast-paced nature of the format. Bowlers like Lasith Malinga, Umar Gul, and Jasprit Bumrah have showcased their skills in the shortest format of the game, proving their ability to excel under pressure.

Lasith Malinga’s unorthodox bowling action and lethal yorkers made him a nightmare for batsmen in T20 cricket. His ability to deliver pinpoint yorkers at crucial moments of the game set him apart as one of the greatest T20 bowlers of all time. Malinga’s impact on Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup victory in 2014 solidified his legacy in the format.

Umar Gul, known for his swing and pace, played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s success in T20 cricket. His ability to pick up crucial wickets in the powerplay and death overs made him a valuable asset for his team. Gul’s performance in the 2009 T20 World Cup final, where he took 3 wickets for 30 runs, showcased his ability to deliver under pressure.

Jasprit Bumrah, the modern-day bowling sensation, has redefined fast bowling in T20 cricket. Known for his accuracy, variations, and ability to bowl yorkers at will, Bumrah has become a key player for India in the T20 format. His performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he played a crucial role in India’s victory, further cemented his reputation as one of the best T20 bowlers in the world.

Impact of T20 Bowling Rankings

With former cricketers like Jason Gillespie and Glenn McGrath ranking the top T20 bowlers of all time, discussions around the legacy and impact of these players have gained momentum. The rankings not only recognize the individual skill and contribution of bowlers but also spark debates among fans about the criteria for evaluating the best in the business.

While Gillespie’s list focuses on the overall performance and impact of bowlers in T20 cricket, McGrath’s selection showcases a mix of experience and emerging talent. Including players like Arshdeep Singh in his list highlights the rise of young bowlers who are making a mark in the T20 format.

As the T20 World Cup 2026 unfolds, fans are eager to witness more exceptional bowling performances that could potentially change the rankings of the top T20 bowlers of all time. With the evolution of the game and the emergence of new talent, the landscape of T20 bowling continues to evolve, creating a dynamic environment for bowlers to showcase their skills.

Whether it’s the art of swing bowling, the precision of yorkers, or the variations in pace, T20 cricket demands bowlers to be at their best, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport. The rankings by Gillespie and McGrath serve as a testament to the skill, dedication, and talent of the bowlers who have left a lasting impact on the T20 format.

As cricket enthusiasts engage in lively debates and discussions about the rankings of the top T20 bowlers of all time, one thing remains clear – the T20 format continues to be a platform for bowlers to shine and leave a lasting legacy in the world of cricket.

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