The Rohit Sharma – led Indian cricket contingent clinched the recently concluded three-match T20 series against South Africa. Although in the beginning there was a lot of pressure on the bowling unit of India because of Bumrah’s sudden withdrawal from the series in the opening match against South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram, master bowlers like Deepak Chahar and Arshdeep Singh took the command of the pitch and destroyed the top order of South Africa’s cricket team in the first few overs.
With a formidable lead of 2-0, the management of the Indian cricket team decided to put the ace batters Virat Kohli and KL Rahul on rest during the third deciding match of the series, which resulted in a dreadful defeat. Following India’s victory against South Africa in the T20 series, with a formidable 2-0, here are the main points to take away as future reminders.
1. The discussions on Bumrah’s comeback must end
The bowling unit of India has been under a scan since the beginning of the T20 series, when India lost a match against Australia in Mohali. All, including selectors and experienced cricketers, criticized the bowling department. The hero-worship culture must come to an end in Indian cricket, as pointed out by the veteran cricketer turned politician, Gautam Gambhir. The young and dynamic bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Deepak Chahar, who have proved their worth in the Indian cricket team, should be trusted equally. Bumrah’s absence would definitely be felt but, the selectors and management should start focusing on what they have in their hands.
2. Hardik Pandya could be the X-Factor of India’s playing XI
Pandya, who was earlier criticised for not being in his prime form, has returned with his x-factor and has gracefully earned the title of being a finisher. Hardik Pandya has transformed into a lethal cricketer in India’s squad for the World Cup tournament 2022. Although people were quite sceptical about Hardik’s performance in the T20 series, he came out as a shock with his roaring sixes and effortless boundaries in both the series against South Africa and Australia. With a storming comeback, Hardik Pandya was able to amass a daunting total of 117 runs in the T20 series, which has surely made a lot of people count on him if the top-order collapses early on the pitch in Australia.
3. Rohit-Rahul’s power-packed partnership could be the deciding factor for India’s victory
Team India’s opening duo of skipper Rohit Sharma and vice-captain KL Rahul has noted a record partnership of having the most 50-plus partnerships in the T20 format. The duo have broken all the existing records and have earned the maximum runs for India in the T20Is. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul have managed to score a total of 1744 runs in their partnership together in the T20 series. This rock solid partnership could definitely give a tough time to the bowlers in the T20 World Cup tournament 2022.
