ICC World Cup 2023: Tom Moody Believes India's Chances Of Winning World Cup Hinge On Jasprit Bumrah's Fitness

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody stated that ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness will be crucial for India in the much-awaited ODI World Cup 2023. Tom Moody highlighted that the Rohit Sharma-led team needs to keep the main players fit throughout the long tournament.

Jasprit Bumrah returned to India’s ODI squad for the Asia Cup 2023 after an 11-month injury layoff. The right-arm pacer didn’t get a chance to showcase his bowling abilities against Pakistan. He skipped the second match against Nepal to travel to India for the birth of his first child.

Depends On The Fitness And Longevity Of Jasprit Bumrah – Tom Moody

“I think a lot of it depends on the fitness and longevity of Bumrah. I think he holds such an important key for India because he has such high quality and impacts the game early and also closes the innings,” Tom Moody told Star Sports.

“And I see that it’s basically going to be a difficult World Cup with regards to making sure that you keep your bowlers fit. It’s a long campaign, but India certainly have got the diversity in their side. It’s just the case of them making sure they have their key players fit, particularly their bowlers.”

Jasprit Bumrah was the leading wicketkeeper for India in the 2019 ODI World Cup, picking up 18 wickets in nine matches at an outstanding average of 20.61. The 29-year-old pacer’s form is crucial for India’s prospects to clinch the title in the upcoming tournament.

They Have A Side That’s Good Enough To Win – Tom Moody

Tom Moody believes that India has a team capable of winning the World Cup, especially with the advantage of playing at home. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

“Yes, I think they have a side that’s good enough to win the World Cup. I think home advantage will be a big one for India, but I bring that point around the fitness. The fitness of Bumrah and Shami is absolutely key to me as both of them are high-quality new ball bowlers,” he concluded.

The selectors announced India’s 15-member squad for the World Cup 2023 on Tuesday. Veteran opener Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian cricket team for the first time in the ODI World Cup, and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will serve as his deputy in the tournament.

Also read: Virat’s Downfall Started After He Put The Country Second: Fans Slam Jasprit Bumrah For Returning Home For Birth Of His Child