ICC World Cup 2023: "If Jasprit Bumrah Is Fully Fit, We Have A Great Chance Of Winning The World Cup" - Mohammad Kaif
Published - 08 Aug 2023, 12:23 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:16 AM
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels that ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah will play a crucial role for the Rohit Sharma-led team in the ODI World Cup 2023. Mohammad Kaif believes that India’s chances of winning the World Cup will significantly increase if Jasprit Bumrah remains fully fit.
Jasprit Bumrah has been sidelined from action since September last year due to an injury. The right-arm pacer recovered from his injury and is set to make his comeback in international cricket in the three-match series against Ireland. Notably, he has been appointed captain of the Indian team.
India Has Lost Just Two Matches – Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif stated that the team should not be judged based on just two consecutive losses, highlighting the absence of key players in the T20I series.
“India has lost just two matches (T20Is against West Indies), so we do not need to get overly concerned. I am seeing a lot of negative reaction after the two losses. But I will only say that our team is extremely competitive,” Kaif said.
“I am not going to judge (India) on two back-to-back losses (in the West Indies). The only thing is that key players are missing,” he added.
After their triumph in the two-Test series and ODIs, the visiting team encountered a setback as they couldn’t secure a win in the T20I series. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were omitted from the shorter format for the fourth consecutive series.
Jasprit Bumrah Missing Is The Biggest Factor – Mohammad Kaif
The former Indian batter highlighted that Jasprit Bumrah‘s presence boosts India’s bowling lineup in the upcoming World Cup at home.
“Bumrah missing is the biggest factor. If he recovers fully… one aspect is to complete the recovery and the other aspect is to gain match fitness.
If he regains that (match fitness), it will be a massive gain for Team India. If Bumrah is fully fit, we have a great chance of winning the World Cup at home.”
Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2022 and the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final. He also missed the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 tournament.
Tagged:
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 ICC ODI World Cup 2023 India National Cricket Team Jasprit Bumrah Mohammad Kaif
