In T20Is this year, Bumrah has bowled most of his overs in the powerplay.
India and South Africa are all set to square off in a five-match T20I series, slated to begin on Tuesday (December 9) in Cuttack.
On the eve of the series opener, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel said he will keep an eye on how the side manages Jasprit Bumrah's quota of four overs.
In T20Is this year, Bumrah has bowled most of his overs in the powerplay, meaning that he isn't used much in the back end of the innings.
Bumrah was India’s primary powerplay weapon during the Asia Cup 2025 triumph in the UAE, delivering three of his four overs in the first six, a move that caught many by surprise.
“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 Parthiv 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," he added.
The T20I series will mark star all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s return after recovering from the left quadricep injury he sustained during the continental event in September.
Parthiv Patel feels Hardik’s comeback is a key factor for the Indian team in the final leg of their preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026.
"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 said.
Left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma has carried his spectacular form into domestic cricket by amassing 304 runs at 50.66 and a strike rate of above 249 for Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which includes a whirlwind 148 off 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," Parthiv concluded.
(With IANS Inputs)