If he plays IPL, it will give him confidence before World Cup: Robin Uthappa on Jasprit Bumrah's fitness

Bumrah during 2022's England tour (Twitter)

Former India and T20 World Cup-winning cricketer, Robin Uthappa, has been in great form for Dubai Capitals in the inaugural edition of UAE's International T20 League (ILT20).

The Karnataka batter has always been vocal about his ideologies and has backed his opinions. However, he has now come out with his take on Jasprit Bumrah, who hasn't played any competitive cricket for six months now.

While talking about India's premium pace-bowler, Uthappa has stated the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League as a litmus test for Bumrah before the World Cup 2023.

"I think he should definitely play the IPL. If he plays the entire IPL, it will give him huge confidence in not just himself, but also the team, players, viewers, and supporters ahead of the World Cup. (Jasprit) Bumrah playing IPL will give a message that he is fit," Uthappa said in an interview to Times of India. 

"Bumrah must be in a place right now where he wants answers. He must be wondering - 'what is actually going on with me. Why am I not recovering'? The NCA will have to give answers to that. There are huge and amazing rehab facilities. So, NCA will have to give answers to that as in what's happening there, why aren't physios able to get him ready?" 

The former Indian batter further talked about the current Indian coach, Rahul Dravid, and the pressure he has been dealing with for sitting at the top chair of the Indian think tank. According to Uthappa, Dravid's tenure thus far has been a mixed bag of good and bad deeds.  

"It's been a little bit of a mixed bag. I know the effort he is putting in is very much genuine. I am sure he has to deal with a lot of other things as a coach."

"It is not easy dealing with Indian cricket because there are so many different cultures and so many different pressures. You would probably feel that Rahul Dravid is one of the best men to handle these things."

The Indian side, under Rohit Sharma and Dravid's leadership, hasn't done anything concussive, and they have been bashed left-right-and-centre for their decisions. However, they can turn everything around in 2023 with the results of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Asia Cup and World Cup going their way.