Despite winning the three-match T20I series against Australia, there are some areas of concern that Team India needs to address ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022 where they start their campaign against Pakistan on October 23.
One such major concern for the Indian team is the bowling form of senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. While playing Australia in the series, Kumar only was able to pick one wicket in three games while conceding 91 runs in two games at an economy rate of 13.
He continued to falter in the death overs and in the third T20I went for runs with the new ball as well.
Meanwhile, former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden downplayed worries about the star pacer's form, claiming that Bhuvneshwar is looking exhausted after playing nonstop cricket but will be fine after taking a break, as he is rested from the upcoming three T20Is against South Africa.
"I think he looks tired and fast bowlers are allowed to get tired. We have seen Virat Kohli's example, he has had a couple of breaks. That can make all the difference. If a fast bowler is tired, it means that his energy is not there in the ball. I am sure he will be fine. You have got Bumrah back now, I think that combination is going to be key," Hayden said in an interaction with Star Sports.
India captain Rohit Sharma also believed that it was essential to give Bhuvneshwar Kumar some space.
"With Bhuvi, it's important that we give him that space because when you have a guy like him in the team and the quality that he brings, we know that he's had more good days and bad days," Rohit said in the post-match press conference after the 3rd T20I against the Aaron finch-led side on Sunday (September 25).
The Men in Blue will play the 1st T20I of the 3-match series on Wednesday (September 28) in Thiruvananthapuram.
(STAR SPORTS INPUTS)
