Paras Mhambrey, Team India’s bowling coach, is breathing a sigh of relief as he embraces the return of a fully-fit bowling contingent. Injuries had plagued India’s pace arsenal for nearly three years, but the World Cup 2023 sees the timely resurgence of Jasprit Bumrah. It’s a providential twist of fate, as India had reluctantly started to adapt to life without their pace spearhead.
During Jasprit Bumrah’s extended absence due to a year-long recovery from back surgery, Mohammed Siraj admirably helmed the Indian pace attack. However, the Ahmedabad pacer’s void remained conspicuous, a gap even the most accomplished bowlers struggled to bridge. Paras Mhambrey, addressing this, emphasized the unfillable gap left by the star pacer’s absence.
“The last couple of years, it has been really tough. It is tough to miss [out on] someone like Bumrah. You have seen him in the last three games that he has played. What he brings to the table. He is a world-class bowler. He gives you that breakthrough that you require in the powerplays. He’s well adapted to bowl in the middle overs and he’s a top, gun death bowler. We really missed him,” said Paras Mhambrey as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.
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A World Cup sans Jasprit Bumrah wasn’t just a dreaded notion; it was a stark reality. The enigmatic pacer’s unpredictable schedule, oscillating between rest and action, had fans in suspense regarding his 2023 World Cup participation. However, the commendable efforts of the medical teams at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and within the national squad ensured that Bumrah was back in time for the biggest tournament in cricket.
“We must credit the staff back at the NCA, the medical department, the physios out there, and out here as well. And they really worked hard behind the scenes for the last few years, from where he was and to get him out here. So, credit goes to them as well,” Paras Mhambrey added.
With Bumrah back in the fold, India’s bowling attack looks formidable. The team now has a plethora of options at their disposal, including Bumrah, Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur, and Hardik Pandya. This gives them the flexibility to adapt to different conditions and opposition line-ups.
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India’s bowling attack has been a key factor in their success in recent years. With Jasprit Bumrah back in the mix, they will be even more confident of their chances of lifting the World Cup trophy in 2023.
