Former India batsman Gautam Gambhir has picked fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to be the most important, and impactful player for India in the upcoming World Cup 2023.
Jasprit Bumrah was India’s leading wicket-taker in the 2019 World Cup in England with 18 wickets to his name in 9 matches. He will once again be spearheading India’s bowling attack in the World Cup 2023, which will be hosted by India, who are aiming to end their decade-long ICC title drought.
Last month, Jasprit Bumrah made his return to international cricket after 10 months in the T20I series in Ireland, where he bowled brilliantly. The ongoing Asia Cup 2023 in Sri Lanka will mark his return to the ODI format for the first time since July last year.
Speaking with Star Sports on Monday, during a rain break in the India vs Nepal match in Pallekele, Gautam Gambhir was asked about India’s contention at the upcoming World Cup 2023, which will start on October 5.
Not Rohit Sharma, not Virat Kohli, not Hardik Pandya. With no hesitation, Gautam Gambhir said that Jasprit Bumrah will be India’s main man at the tournament.
“Jasprit Bumrah will be the most pivotal player for India in the World Cup 2023,” Gautam Gambhir was heard saying on Star Sports.
No more workload management for Jasprit Bumrah: Gautam Gambhir
Meanwhile, earlier Gambhi had also suggested that Bumrah now should play as many matches as possible leading into the world cup, and that no workload management should be done in this month.
After the Asia Cup, India only have 3 more ODI – vs Australia at home – before the warm-up matches of the World Cup.
He said: “Workload management is finished now. You are at a stage now where instead of workload management, you will think about more game time and bowling as much as possible, because you have the Asia Cup, then three matches against Australia, and then straightaway the World Cup.”
“The World Cup comes once in four years and no one knows what will happen after four years, the fitness and rhythm a fast bowler will have after four years. I believe the more games he plays, the better he will get. The Indian team shouldn’t start giving him breaks now.”
