India's Strategy for Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya Ahead of South Africa T20I

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Former wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel, who is currently serving as the assistant & batting coach for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, warned that proper utilization of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya will be crucial in India’s World Cup 2027 journey.

He specifically advised the head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav to efficiently manage the workload of India’s ace pacer Bumrah in India's five-match series against South Africa.

Balancing Bumrah: Powerplay Overload vs. Death Over Necessity

Head coach Gautam Gambhir explained that the new strategy of the Indian team involves using Jasprit Bumrah heavily during the power play. Many were surprised when Bumrah bowled three of his four overs early in the Asia Cup. Gambhir aims for India to be known as an aggressive side overall, not just with their batting. The move was a bold tactic designed to help India dominate opponents early.

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Bowling coach Morne Morkel also defended this strategy, asserting that Bumrah is "one of the best bowlers," and noted that the "golden rule" in T20 cricket is taking wickets at the start. Using Bumrah early gives India an advantage by setting the tone and controlling the match.

However, this shift means the team is gambling on weakening their death bowling options. This forces players like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube to shoulder tough closing overs. India is willing to accept this risk, hoping early wickets provide the best death-bowling insurance.

Parthiv Patel provided a different perspective: “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.”

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He further added, “So, India will have to use him carefully. If they want to bowl him three overs early, then Arshadeep Singh has to partner Bumrah in the death overs.”

The Hardik Pandya Factor: Crucial Comeback for India's Team Balance

The return of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, following a quadriceps injury, adds vital balance and calm to the team. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav emphasized that his comeback strengthens India's T20 World Cup plans. Pandya's seam-bowling ability and vast experience fill a crucial void. His presence "will definitely give a good balance to the side," Suryakumar affirmed.

Sanjay Bangar, a former Indian cricketer, believes Pandya's availability "directly unlocks India's most balanced XI." He can command a spot in the top five solely with his batting ability. Pandya’s fitness allows the team to utilize their preferred spin options without compromising batting depth. The all-rounder recently showed strong form for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which includes an unbeaten 77 off 42 balls and taking a crucial wicket.

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