If you look at India's performance in the last five years, Bumrah has played a very big role: Dilhara Fernando

India speedster Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t played any competitive cricket since September 2022 owing to a back injury. He will likely miss India’s upcoming international assignments, including World Test Championship (WTC) final and the ODI World Cup, as he is currently in rehab. Notably, he has been ruled out from the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) as well.   

In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, former Sri Lanka pacer Dilhara Fernando said that India and Rohit Sharma will desperately need the service of Bumrah. He said that the 29-year-old pacer is a game-changer. The Sri Lankan also said he can be the key player for the hosts in the 50-over World Cup.

"Bumrah is just amazing. If you look at India's performance in the last five years, Bumrah has played a very big role. He has been leading the pace attack really well. He is a game-changer. I am not sure about his injury updates, but he will be a key player for India in the World Cup. Rohit will need him in the World Cup. India and Rohit will really need him in the World Cup," Fernando told TimesofIndia.com.

"Bumrah in Indian conditions is at another level. He is a nightmare for the opposition. India's pace attack looks good, and India are top contenders at the World Cup," he added.

Bumrah will be key for India as well as for Rohit: Dilhara Fernando 

The Sri Lankan cricketer believes that Bumrah and Rohit share a special bond on the field as they play together for Mumbai Indians (MI). The 43-year-old said that the IPL had played a huge role in the growth of Bumrah's career. However, he reckoned that the pacer would be key for team India and the skipper. 

"Bumrah and Rohit know each other closely and have good camaraderie so Rohit would want Bumrah badly in the World Cup. IPL and Mumbai Indians have played a big role in Bumrah's career. Rohit and Bumrah have a good mutual understanding, especially in tough conditions. Bumrah will be key for India and Rohit," Fernando said.

India will host the 2023 ODI World Cup in October-November. Meanwhile, the Men in Blue have not won ICC silverware post the 2013 Champions Trophy. 

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