We have to trust our boys; I am confident about them – Hardik Pandya on pacers death bowling
India’s World Cup preparation is not going as planned in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and right now defending totals is the major concern hurting them.
The four-wicket loss to Australia in the series opener at Mohali was quite similar to that against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2022.
It all came down to the last couple of overs at the end of the game. Even Harshal Patel who is well with his variations could not save India from trouble in the first T20I.
“We all know exactly what Jasprit Bumrah brings to the side and how important he is for us,”
Hardik Pandya, who scored 71* off 30, said.
“There will be concerns here and there (but) we have got to trust our boys. These are the best fifteen people who are there in the country, that’s why they are there in the squad. Jasprit being there makes a big difference, obviously, but… he is coming back after an injury so it’s important to get enough time to come back and not put a lot of pressure on himself.
“As a team, we want to get better. Losing teaches you a lot and where we can get better. We are a process driven team and by the time the World Cup comes, we will make sure and get our processes better and see where we can improve. I am very confident about the guys. Few games here and there don’t change much.”
Chasing a huge total of 209 in the allotted overs, Australia required 55 in the last 24 balls on a surface that was middling every ball on the bat. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the experienced pacer conceded 15 and 16 respectively in his last two overs which then saw a 22-run over from Harshal Patel.
“See we can’t pinpoint anyone. It’s a game,”
Hardik said.
“They have also conceded 24-25 run overs and it didn’t matter. It’s a bilateral series, we will get two more games and we will try to get batter.”
However, Hardik Pandya was in a decent touch with the bat which is a big positive for India and if he bats up at the order will be the next question.
“I see my role at No 5. I have been told to bat at five and I bat at five,”
he said.
“There’s no rocket science in it. I enjoy wherever and whenever I get an opportunity to bat. Batting is very close to my heart, so as many balls I can get I don’t mind. If I get to bat 10 balls, that is also fine.
“I see my role at No 5. I have been told to bat at five and I bat at five,”
he said.
“There’s no rocket science in it. I enjoy wherever and whenever I get an opportunity to bat. Batting is very close to my heart, so as many balls I can get I don’t mind. If I get to bat 10 balls, that is also fine.