• Home
  • Player Stories
  • Well Lose In World Cup If Ex Players Remarks On Jasprit Bumrah Grabs Limelight

'We'll Lose in World Cup If..', Ex-Player's Remarks On Jasprit Bumrah Grabs Limelight

image-lkuxlexoJasprit Bumrah will lead India in Ireland T20Is [Twitter]

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif expressed concerns that India's World Cup 2023 prospects could be in jeopardy without their star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, given the current lack of a reliable replacement in the India set-up.

Kaif further stated that Men in Blue doesn't have the resources to field two teams currently due to the limited options available in the bowling department. 

Jasprit Bumrah has been on the sidelines since September 2022 after undergoing back surgery earlier this year. However, there's a ray of hope as he has been named the captain of Team India for the upcoming T20I series in Ireland later this month.

Here's what the cricketer-turned-commentator told reporters on the sidelines of Pitchside-My Life in Indian Cricket book launch: 

"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 the Asia Cup. He is going to Ireland right now. So, I am going to see him bowling. If Bumrah is fully fit then India will be a strong side at home." 


"In the bowling department, you can't have two teams. If Bumrah doesn't play, we will lose, like we did in Asia Cup T20 and 2022 T20 World Cup. We don't have his back up.” 

The absence of Jasprit Bumrah significantly impacted India's performance as they lost both the Asia Cup 2022 and T20 World Cup 2022. They suffered a devastating 10-wicket defeat to England in the T20 World Cup knockout clash. 


India isn't looking strongest on paper: Kaif

Mohammad Kaif also shared his thoughts on the intense India-Pakistan rivalry, highlighting India’s stellar record against Pakistan in ICC events. Meanwhile, he also expressed concerns about India's chances, which don't seem very promising currently due to the absence of key players like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul.  

"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."

The ex-India cricketer also pointed out that India are yet to find out Bumrah's backup. Thus, India will have to deal with the consequences if their star pacer fails to make a comeback before the marquee event. 

"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 the World Cup."

According to several reports, the highly awaited India-Pakistan clash in the World Cup 2023 is reportedly rescheduled to take place on 14 October. The official announcement from the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to be made soon.