Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin got everyone talking after India pulled off their historic win at the 2026 T20 World Cup. On the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast, Friday, March 13, 2026, Haddin had some pretty unusual praise for India’s stars. He singled out Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, calling them “rascals” who aren’t afraid to “walk into the fire.” According to Haddin, these two didn’t just handle the pressure of that final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium, but thrived on it.
Why Brad Haddin Called Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah “Rascals”?
When Haddin called Samson and Abhishek “rascals,” he actually meant it as a compliment, a nod to players who dig in and never fold under pressure. He said tournaments are all about hitting your best form when it counts most, and that’s exactly what India’s stars did in Ahmedabad.
“I’m a huge fan of Abhishek… there was a lot of talk about his position throughout the tournament,” Haddin remarked. “Got a few ducks in the pool games, and all of a sudden, you think he is under pressure, but they are the guys you want in the big moments, because they are rascals and they walk into the fire.”
Haddin’s comments really get at what set Sharma and Bumrah apart in the final. Most players, faced with a rough patch or the pressure of a billion people watching, tend to fold. Not these two. They just went after the game, fearless, and grabbed control before New Zealand even had a chance to get comfortable.
Transitioning to IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians Await
Team India’s “rascals” barely have time to soak in their world title before jumping back into the grind. They’ll get a short break, then it’s straight to their IPL teams for the 2026 season, which starts March 28.
Abhishek Sharma heads back to the Sunrisers Hyderabad, hoping to ride the high from the World Cup Final into the new season, especially after a forgettable run in 2025. On the other side, Jasprit Bumrah gears up to lead a fierce Mumbai Indians pace attack, now even scarier with Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar joining the squad.
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