Even as India's T20I series against West Indies hasn't yet commences, a few eager fans have already started to look forward to the Ireland T20Is. The reason is simple. The three-match IND vs IRE T20Is is set to mark a comeback for the Indian speedster in international cricket after a long injury layoff. He has been named the captain of the team in a series which will see him in action in any kind of competitive cricket for the first time since September last year.
However, there is no time to waste for Bumrah. He only has this series to make his mark and get back his rhythm and into peak match-fitness ahead of Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup. In his absence, the Men in Blue had gone on to lose the Asia Cup, played in the T20 format, and the T20 World Cup last year and his presence could well hold the key for India this year too.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif is even reckoned that if Bumrah fails to stay injury-free throughout the World Cup, then the team could even lose the tournament. He reckons India will be favourites to win the title only if Bumrah plays.
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"It will depend on the players who are injured. Bumrah, I think, will be the key if he comes back fully fit. How fit is he we will get to know in Asia Cup. He is going to Ireland right now. So, I am going to see his bowling. If Bumrah is fully fit then India will be a strong side at home," Kaif told the media on the sidelines of Pitchside-My Life in Indian Cricket book launch.
"50-over is a different format. In Australia, it was a T20 format which we played but India play well against Pakistan. They always play well in ICC events, they have a good record against Pakistan. At the moment India is not looking the strongest on paper because they are missing the key players. We are missing KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant. The biggest factor is Bumrah. If he does not make a comeback then India will have to work harder. We still do not have Bumrah's backup. If Bumrah does not play then we can lose. We will have problems before World Cup," he added.
Asia Cup will be good match practice for a full-fledged Indian side before they begin their World Cup campaign against Australia on October 8 against Australia. Bumrah's performance in that tournament could be a hint of what to expect from him in the marquee ICC event and whether the likes of Kaif and a section of Indian fans are jumping the gun.