‘If Bumrah doesn’t play…: Mohammad Kaif makes grim prediction ahead of 2023 ODI World Cup | Cricket News

Former Indian player Mohammad Kaif predicted that if Jasprit Bumrah does not participate in the upcoming ODI World Cup, then India will not have a chance to lift the trophy.
Speaking to PTI, Kaif said, “The players who are injured, India’s chances in the World Cup will depend a lot on that (their comeback). Bumrah is coming now after a long injury lay off and we will get an idea on how fit he is.
“India need a fully fit Bumrah to do well in World Cup 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,” he added.
Bumrah will be making a comeback into the side in the T20 series in Ireland later this month when he will lead the side. It will be his first series after being out of action for almost a year following his back surgery.
Kaif also said the current playing line-up in the West Indies needs to be stronger. “At the moment the team is not looking the strongest on paper as it is missing key players including KL Rahul, Pant, Iyer and the biggest factor is Bumrah,” said the 42-year-old.
India were criticised for experimenting in the ODI series in the Caribbean and giving rest to skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to try out fringe players.

“I won’t judge the team for what it has done on the West Indies tour. If Rohit Sharma and Kohli had to take a break then they should not have been part of the squad. I will judge them from Asia Cup and the 15 they pick for the tournament. “From Asia Cup onwards, they have to be sure what their 11 is and what their back ups are,” said Kaif.