‘India can lose if he doesn’t play’ – Mohammad Kaif picks player whose presence will be decisive for India in ODI World Cup 2023

Indian star pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be making his international comeback in the three-match T20I series against Ireland, commencing on August 18 in Dublin. Notably, the great seamer has also been named skipper for the upcoming series.

Moreover, in his absence, the Rohit Sharma-led side lost the Asia Cup after suffering back-to-back defeats against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the Super Four, as well as the T20 World Cup in 2022 after suffering a 10-wicket loss against England in the semi-final. Furthermore, the 29-year-old bowler’s presence could potentially make a great difference for India in the upcoming mega tournaments.

Speaking on the same subject, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif affirmed that the hosts will be in a strong position if the seamer makes his way to the upcoming ODI World Cup. The former batter said his fitness will be tested during the Asia Cup, and he is excited to see his bowling in the upcoming series against Ireland.

“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,” Kaif said, quoted by Hindustan Times.

If Bumrah does not play then we can lose: Mohammad Kaif

The former India cricketer turned analyst further added that the Men in Blue may lose the mega tournament in the absence of the 29-year-old bowler, and Rohit Sharma’s side would have to work even harder if the right-arm bowler misses the World Cup.

“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,” he added further.