Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness will be key to India’s success against Pakistan in World Cup 2023 and Asia Cup 2023. On the launch of Amrit Mathur’s book ‘Pitchside’ on Wednesday, Kaif claimed that India will struggle as they did in the T20 World Cup in Australia last year if Bumrah doesn’t get fit on time.
“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”, said Kaif.
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“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.
Team India not strongest on paper: Kaif
Mohammad Kaif also talked about how India doesn’t look strongest on paper against Pakistan due to absence of their key players.
When Insidesport’s reporter asked him about India’s prospect in IND vs PAK Asia Cup clash, Kaif said that a lot will depend on Bumrah’s fitness.
“At the moment the team is not looking the strongest on paper as it is missing key players including K L Rahul, Pant, Iyer and the biggest factor is Bumrah,” said the 42-year-old.
‘Sanju Samson ‘fully equipped to bat in middle-order’
Mohammad Kaif also praised Sanju Samson and claimed that the wicketkeeper batter is fully equipped to bat in the the middle-order and should be in the final 15 for the ODI World Cup at home in October-November.
“I am massively impressed by Samson. He played an impactful knock, whether at four or five, he has done it in the past”, Kaif said.
When asked about the Ishan Kishan’s form and his chances to making it to Playing XI of World Cup 2023, Kaif said that it will be seen if Kishan will be a back-up wicket keeper to KL Rahul.
“He will be in the squad as he has done well. I am not sure if Kishan, SKY, Samson and Iyer, all of them won’t be in the 15. It remains to be seen if if Kishan will be a back-up wicket keeper to KL Rahul”, Kaif said.
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