Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Former Australia skipper Aaron Finch feels Team India might fail to meet their expectations in the upcoming ODI World Cup with the absence of speedster Jasprit Bumrah. India will be hosting the 50-over World Cup in October this year.
While speaking to The Times of India, Finch said getting Bumrah back will be crucial for India, stating that the 29-year-old fast bowler is the best in the world. Bumrah hasn’t played any competitive cricket since September 2022 after suffering a back injury in July. Notably, due to the persistent injury, he is also set to miss the forthcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
“I think getting Jasprit Bumrah back is vital for India. He is the best in the world when he is up and running. So, if he is not available, that will probably lead to a hole in the innings in terms of wicket-taking ability because he is so dangerous,” said Finch.
The Australian further said that if India will get their opening combination right, then the rest of the players can be aggressive, adding that the current Indian side is not weak.
“But if the Indian opening combination, gets a good platform, then the rest of the team can be aggressive. There is power in the middle order with Hardik and Sky being there. There are not many weaknesses in the Indian team. They have got great spin options and very good fast bowlers. What will come down to in the World Cup will be execution on a particular day,” the 36-year-old added.
Glenn Maxwell will be a huge player in ODI World Cup 2023: Aaron Finch
Finch went on to say that all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will be the best performer in the ODI World Cup, pointing out his brilliance in batting and bowling. He also mentioned that the opening pair of David Warner and Travis Head will be a big factor for the Australian side.
“Glenn Maxwell will be a huge player because of his ability to bat, bowl, and field. His versatility is crucial for the Australian team. I think the opening combination with the bat of David Warner and Travis Head will be a huge factor too. If they set a good platform, then the middle order and lower order can do so much,” said Finch.
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