Venkatesh Prasad, the former India swing king, has backed the three-pronged pace attack of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to come up trumps at the World Cup. Prasad, the bowling coach of the national team between 2007 and 2009, observed: "Their technical expertise in terms of seam presentation, finish and sheer pace is simply outstanding. Each one is capable of winning matches on his own."

Prasad anointed Bumrah as the leader of the troika. "He is among the best in the world — in the Powerplay, mid-innings and towards the end," said Prasad, who had an excellent 1999 World Cup in England embellished by five for 27 against Pakistan in Manchester. "Just look at the maturity with which he bowls. Maturity is about knowing the situation, about the batsman's intentions. He doesn't get predictable because he has so many options. The pace he generates from a short run-up is brilliant. India are very blessed to have someone like Bumrah.