Media365
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel expressed interest in observing how India manages Jasprit Bumrah’s over allocations during the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, beginning Tuesday in Cuttack.India’s strategy in T20Is this year has involved using Bumrah predominantly in the powerplay overs, limiting his availability in the final overs.
“It’s an important series for India, especially against the World Cup runners-up South Africa. It will be good preparation. There are a few things I’m looking forward to. Number one is how India uses Jasprit Bumrah,” said Patel on JioStar.“India has utilised his three overs in the powerplay since the Asia Cup, and even in the Australia tour, that was the strategy. If they bowl him for three overs in the Powerplay, he only has one over left for the death, which is the 19th over. So, India will have to use him carefully. If they want him to bowl three overs early, then Arshdeep Singh has to partner Bumrah in the death overs.”Patel highlighted the significance of Hardik Pandya’s return to the team following his recovery from a quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup.“The comeback of Hardik Pandya is key. He did really well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He’s coming back into form, and he is an important player. He contributes with both, bat and ball. His presence in the lineup is crucial because he brings experience and also guides the youngsters. I am looking forward to his comeback,” he noted.Left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma has demonstrated strong performance in domestic cricket, scoring 304 runs at an average of 50.66 with a strike rate exceeding 249 for Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His achievements include a remarkable innings of 148 runs from 52 balls against Bengal.“Abhishek Sharma is the player of the season. He has been getting a lot of runs and hitting a lot of sixes. Can he continue this form? I think he can. He was the highest run scorer in the Asia Cup and on the Australia tour. He is also the number one ranked T20I batter. The runs from his bat at the top of the order will be crucial for India’s success in this five-match series against South Africa,” he added.
