Jasprit Bumrah (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
“Bumrah is just amazing. If you look at India’s performance in the last 5 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 in an exclusive interview.
“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,” Fernando, who played 40 Tests, 147 ODIs, and 18 T20Is for Sri Lanka between 2000 and 2016, further told TimesofIndia.com
Fernando knows a thing or two about playing in Indian conditions. Apart from international matches that he has played in the country, Fernando was also part of the Mumbai Indians IPL franchise between 2008 and 2011, where he played under the leadership of Sachin Tendulkar in all four seasons.
Fernando believes Bumrah, who now plays under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy at Mumbai Indians, will be a key man for the most-successful skipper in IPL history.
“Bumrah and Rohit know each other closely and have a 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 as well as for Rohit,” Fernando said.
UMRAN = SHOAIB AKHTAR
Fernando meanwhile is in awe of India’s new speed-gun Umran Malik. India have got a big weapon in their pace armoury in the new speed sensation Umran. His ability to consistently bowl at 150kmph plus speed has wowed everyone, including Fernando, who recorded career best ODI figures of 6/27.
Umran Malik (AFP Photo)
“Umran Malik has impressed me a lot because of his pace. He has a bright future. I have never seen an Indian fast bowler bowling 150 plus. He is a unique talent and has got all the ingredients of being a perfect fast bowler,” Fernando told TimesofIndia.com.
“I saw a glimpse of Shoaib Akhtar in Umran. He reminds me of Akhtar. His ability to generate pace, accuracy, and yorkers has impressed me a lot. He will be a world-class bowler one day,” the Sri Lankan further said.
India defeated Sri Lanka to win the 2011 World Cup.
On being asked about the current Sri Lankan team and their title chances in the upcoming edition of the World Cup, Fernando said: “Sri Lanka are a very unpredictable team. Sometimes they beat the top teams, the number one teams with their stupendous performances, and on some days, they succumb to pressure and lose matches to bottom-placed teams. The Sri Lanka team doesn’t have consistency. Consistency is something missing from this Sri Lankan team. Players are not consistent. But we have a good coaching staff now. This team is in rebuilding mode, and I am sure by the time the World Cup comes, this team will be prepared and will do wonders”.
Published By: Nibandh VinodLast Updated: March 01, 2024, 07:20 ISTSachin Tendulkar scored 98 runs against Pakistan in 2003 Cricket World Cup. (Image: ICC/X, fo
Member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team Kirti Azad on Thursday backed the BCCI's directive for cricketers to play Ranji Trophy, saying it's a good move and th
Veteran umpire from South Africa Marais Erasmus has announced his retirement from international umpiring, culminating a remarkable career spanning across forma
Premier batters Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were dropped from the Annual Player Contracts list for 2023-2024 shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in I