On Monday, Mohammad Kaif, a former cricketer, stated that the Indian team has the potential to win the World Cup at home this year and cautioned against basing judgments on two T20I losses in the West Indies. India, who won two-Test series and ODIs in various countries, is currently behind 0-2 in five-match T-20I series, leading to criticism of the team’s preparations for two major competitions — the Asia Cup in Pakistan and Sri Lanka and the DDI World cup at Home.
“Indeed, India has only lost two T20Is against West Indies, so we need not be too worried.”
“India’s performance in the West Indies has been disappointing, and I will not judge them based on their two consecutive losses. The only thing that matters is the absence of important players.”
The biggest factor is his absence from cricket. If he does, it will help Team India to recover fully and gain match fitness.
“Bumrah’s fitness is a significant factor in our chances of winning the World Cup at home,” Kaif declared.
Merchandise
After undergoing a back surgery, Bumrah will be making restitution in the T20 series against Ireland and Kaif pointed out that India’s recent losses in major tournaments were due to the absence of the 29-year-old quick.
“Conversations have arisen regarding the fact that Rahul Dravid’s Indian team was unable to win either the T20 Asia Cup, the World Cup in Australia, or the recent World Test Championship in England.”
“Despite acknowledging that there have been mistakes, I am aware that Bumrah is not playing. He is the most important player in the game, but Rohit Sharma’s lack of availability makes it difficult to play.”
Kaif stated that if Bumrah is fully recovered and returns to the Indian team, he will win half of their matches. He believes that having him on the team and some other players like KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer back up would result in winning the World Cup trophy.
Merchandise
The wait is expected for new players.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive performance in the series against the West Indies has raised concerns about his potential for future World Cup participation in India. However, Kaif believes that the return of Bumrah, Iyer, Rahul, and Mohammed Siraj will hinder their chances of making it into the squad.
Kaif stated that while Sharman Iyer and KL Rahul are still injured and expected to return in time for the World Cup, they will not be given any chance to play.
“Iyer’s return will result in his placement at No. 4, where he will be joined by Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli at number 3, Shannon Iyer at Number 4, and KL Rahul at #5.
Depending on the pitch’s state, Hardik Pandya at 6; Ravindra Jadeja at 7; Axar Patel or Shardul Thakur at 8; Kuldeep Yadav with an impressive ODI record and Mohammed Shami and Bumrah at 10 and 11 respectively.
According to Kaif, the new players in the team may not get a chance to play in this World Cup if they are unable to accommodate Siraj.
Kaif’s reasoning was founded on the belief that senior players would be given priority in the squad, while younger players like Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishak, and Suryakumar Yadav would receive a chance to showcase their abilities before some new additions.
“The squad would be joined by Sanju Samson, Ishan Kish, and Suryakumar Yadav if they were available, given their extensive playing experience.”
“The West Indies tour is the only one where new faces are being talked about. Only the senior players will participate in the Asia Cup and the World Cup.”
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