World Cup 2023: Mohammad Kaif explains challenging part for India in home conditions

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Mohammad Kaif has reckoned that India will be the red-hot favourites to win the upcoming ICC Men's ODI World Cup, however, he has highlighted once a challenge which the team would face despite playing in the home conditions.

Kaif has opined that India would be landing in problems if their senior batters including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not in form and fit for the marquee event which India won in 2011 at home. Since then, India haven't won any World Cup title.

“India's chances are quite bright because playing at home, we know the conditions better compared to other teams. Spinners might be able to play a bigger role. We have the players to win the tournament,” said Kaif while speaking on DD India show 'Virtual Encounters'.

“The challenging part for India will be that you need to have all the senior players ready, fitness-wise and form-wise. Bowling should be okay I guess. If we can bat well, we will be a tough side to beat. If we talk about Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, all these senior players have to stand up and win matches,” Kaif added.

Addition of Bumrah will make India great bowling side: Kaif

Further, the former Uttar Pradesh captain said that India's pace attack would become a formidable one once Jasprit Bumrah joins Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj post his injury. Bumrah last represented India ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022 and is expected to feature in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. Reports have suggested that he can warm up for the Asia Cup with the Ireland T20Is in August.

"If we can add Bumrah in the squad, he has been injured for the last few months now, now they are saying he might be back for the Asia Cup, so it's good news. I think we need Bumrah. I hope Bumrah comes back and then India will be hard to beat at home. Siraj and Shami have been doing well recently. If you add Bumrah, you will be a great bowling side,” said Kaif.