Former Indian batsman Mohammed Kaif has asserted that a fully fit Jasprit Bumrah will hold the key to India’s prospects in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, to be held in India later this year. Kaif highlighted Bumrah’s significance, particularly in the much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Jasprit Bumrah is set to make his return to competitive cricket as he leads India during the T20I series against Ireland, commencing in August. The announcement was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday.
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Speaking to the media at the ‘Pitchside-My Life in Indian Cricket’ book launch, Kaif emphasized the significance of Bumrah’s fitness in determining India’s strength at home. He mentioned that the upcoming Asia Cup would provide an opportunity to assess Bumrah’s form as he travels to Ireland for the T20I series.
Kaif expressed his thoughts on the match against Pakistan, which follows their last encounter during the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. He noted that in the 50-over format, India’s success heavily relies on Bumrah’s performance, and if the pace spearhead does not make a successful comeback, the Men in Blue will have to work harder to secure victory.
While India traditionally boasts a strong record against Pakistan in ICC events, Kaif pointed out that the absence of key players like KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant adds to the team’s challenges. However, he stressed that Bumrah’s availability is the biggest factor influencing India’s chances.
The fast bowler underwent a successful back surgery in March and has been absent from competitive cricket since a T20I match against Australia in September of the previous year. His back injury also sidelined him during the Asia Cup. Although Bumrah briefly returned during the Australia T20I series in September, the injury resurfaced, leading to his absence from the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 and IPL 2023.
Kaif also expressed concerns about India’s lack of a suitable backup option for Bumrah. He emphasized that without the experienced pacer, India might face challenges ahead of the World Cup.
India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland showcases some new faces, including Rinku Singh, who had an impressive IPL season with Kolkata Knight Riders, scoring 474 runs at an average of over 59. Pacer Prasidh Krishna, who last played for India in August 2022, missed IPL 2023 due to a lumbar stress fracture, while all-rounder Shivam Dube returns to the side after an impactful IPL season with Chennai Super Kings, scoring 418 runs in 16 matches.
Notably, Hardik Pandya, who has been leading the T20I side in the absence of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, is not included in the squad for the Ireland series.
The matches against Ireland will take place on August 18, 20, and 23 in Dublin. Fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await Bumrah’s return and hope for India’s formidable display in the upcoming T20I series and, eventually, in the highly awaited ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Team India squad for T20I series against Ireland: Jasprit Bumrah (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan.
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