Team India will aim to end their drought of a major international trophy as the 2023 ODI World Cup kicks off in Ahmedabad on October 5. However, India’s chances of success in a high-pressure tournament like the World Cup will highly depend on a fully-fit Jasprit Bumrah. The premier pacer is currently one of the best bowlers in the world and India wants him back at his best.
Bumrah’s career has been hampered by a series of injuries that have kept him out of major tournaments like the 2022 T20 World Cup, 2022 Asia Cup and 2023 WTC Final. However, the 29-year-old, who underwent surgery earlier this year, is slowly getting back into shape. He returned as captain in the first T20I against Ireland and did it in style, taking two wickets in the first over.
In this article, we will look at three reasons why Bumrah can be India’s most important player in the upcoming ODI World Cup.
3. Ability to provide breakthroughs
Bumrah can be a game-changer by picking up wickets at crucial moments and swinging the game in India’s favour. When the opposition is troubling India with big partnerships, an experienced bowler like Bumrah can provide a breakthrough and help the team get back on track.
2. Ability to tackle pressure situation
India’s pace spearhead can bring all his years of playing experience to tackle pressure situations, which is an important quality every player needs when playing in the World Cup. His ability to read the game situation quickly and deliver under pressure is something other bowlers need to learn from him. This will allow the other bowlers to go without stress and give the veteran seamer the support he needs.
1. His versatility, and experience
Having played in various conditions and various tournaments across the world, Bumrah’s experience will be crucial to India’s successful campaign in the World Cup. He can also guide the younger bowlers in the squad and make the bowling unit more effective. His unique bowling action, accuracy in line and length throughout the innings sets him apart.