Michael Clarke: Bumrah key to India's chances at the World Cup

The World Cup-winning captain also hailed Virat Kohli's captaincy in World Cup 2019 while rating India as one of the top three contenders for the silverware.

Clarke: "I think there is nothing that he (Bumrah) doesn’t have. He is fit and healthy. I hope he stays that way as he would play a big part in India’s success in this World Cup."

Jasprit Bumrah’s amazing skill-set gives India a realistic chance of winning the quadrennial tournament, feels 2015 World Cup-winning captain Michael Clarke.

The former Australian skipper heaped praise on seamer Jasprit Bumrah, while exp.

“I think there is nothing that he (Bumrah) doesn’t have. He is fit and healthy. I hope he stays that way as he would play a big part in India’s success in this World Cup,” Clarke observed.

Asked what makes Bumrah such a difficult proposition for batsmen, Clarke elaborated, “He can swing and seam the new ball. When the ball is doing nothing in the middle overs, he has the extra pace to trouble batsmen.

READ| Bumrah’s unique style creates an advantage, says Ian Pont

“He can bowl close to 150 clicks and then at the death, he bowls those yorkers as good as anyone else. And if there is reverse swing, he is a genius."

“As a captain, probably, you need someone like him to throw the ball to when you need wickets. He can open the bowling, bowl that 35th over when nothing is happening or bowl those last four overs at the death, which can win India a World Cup final,” said the veteran of 115 Tests and 245 ODIs.

READ| Virat Kohli: The face of new India

Skillful team

“India is a very skillful team and I think they have made the right decision in going in with two wrist spinners. That’s the aggressive approach and that probably made the difference with two-wicket taking bowlers in those middle overs.

“Virat’s captaincy has been very good so far. They are playing unbelievable cricket at the moment,” said Clarke.