We Can Lose The World Cup In His Absence: Mohammad Kaif Fires Warning To Team India

As Team India prepare for the all-important ICC World Cup 2023, former batsman Mohammad Kaif has fired a timely warning to them. The former India batsman has stated that the Men in Blue could fail to win the World Cup this year if Jasprit Bumrah does not play.

The fast-bowler has not played a competitive game since September last year and is gearing up to make his much-anticipated return to action this month. He has been named in the India squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Ireland. Jasprit Bumrah has also been appointed as the stand-in captain for the series.

With the pacer returning from a long injury layoff, the BCCI and the team-management wanted to test his fitness through T20Is instead of ODIs. He is likely to be a part of the ODI team for next month’s Asia Cup if everything goes well. Having last played a competitive game in September last year, Jasprit Bumrah will be hoping to play as many games as possible to get into groove for the World Cup.

Mohammad Kaif:

As Jasprit Bumrah gears up for his international return, Mohammad Kaif has said that India will be a strong contender to win the World Cup only if the pacer remains fit. The former cricketer believes that Bumrah will be the key for India as they look to win the World Cup for the first time since 2011.

“It will depend on the players who are injured. Bumrah, I think, will be the key if he comes back fully fit. How fit is he we will get to know in Asia Cup. He is going to Ireland right now. So, I am going to see his bowling. If Bumrah is fully fit then India will be a strong side at home,” Mohammad Kaif told reporters on the sidelines of Pitchside-My Life in Indian Cricket book launch.

Mohammad Kaif also spoke about the upcoming India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup. India will get their Asia Cup campaign underway on September 2 with the mouthwatering clash against Pakistan. It will be the first meeting between the arch-rivals since India’s thrilling win over Pakistan in the 2022 World Cup. He said that India could lose against Pakistan in absence of Bumrah.

“50-over is a different format. In Australia, it was a T20 format which we played but India play well against Pakistan. They always play well in ICC events, they have a good record against Pakistan.

“At the moment India is not looking the strongest on paper because they are missing the key players. We are missing KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant. The biggest factor is Bumrah. If he does not make a comeback then India will have to work harder. We still do not have Bumrah’s backup. If Bumrah does not play then we can lose. We will have problems before World Cup,” Mohammad Kaif added.