Jasprit Bumrah, Indian space spearhead made his return to action during the three-match T20I series against Australia, after being on the sidelines for more than two months due to a knee injury.
While Jasprit Bumrah returned figures one for 23 in the second T20I, he conceded 50 runs in the third match and also failed to pick a wicket.
Jasprit Bumrah And Harshal Patel Can Come Good At The Right Time For India: Saba Karim
Speaking ahead of India’s three-match series against South Africa, former India selector Saba Karim spoke about Jasprit Bumrah’s form after injury, saying that the star pacer might take some time to get back to his absolute best.
“I can understand that he’s coming back after a long layoff and may take some time to settle down but let’s not get carried away, Jasprit Bumrah in all the games that he will play will be extremely effective – so that may not happen. Having said that, I do believe Jasprit Bumrah, the kind of bowling combination they have right now, and Harshal Patel also, both of them can come good at the right time for India,” Saba Karim said while speaking exclusively.
Upon his return from an injury suffered before Asia Cup 2022, Harshal Patel played 3 T20Is against Australia in the series and picked 1 wicket only. Moreover, he also conceded a lot of runs. He picked 2/26 in the 1st T20I against Proteas.
Jasprit Bumrah didn’t play the 1st T20I against Australia and conceded 23 runs besides picking up a scalp in the 2nd T20I. He played the 3rd T20I against Australia, but was too expensive conceding 50 runs in 4 overs and remained wicketless. He didn’t play the 1st T20I against Proteas.
Saba Karim: Pacers Must Have Faith In Skill And Abilities As T20I Format Is Unpredictable
While pointing out that the shortest format-T20I is a format of margins, Saba Karim further suggested that the pacers might struggle to bowl well consistently, adding that a player should have faith in his skill and abilities.
“At times we just tend to get carried away and want pace bowlers to deliver in a very effective manner in all the T20 formats – it is not going to happen. The entire format is based so much on unpredictability. So, in one game you may have a very good outing, second game some of the batters may get after you. What is more important is that particular bowler is supposed to have faith in his skill and abilities. So, one can see that in Jasprit Bumrah,” he added.
Jasprit Bumrah did not feature in the first T20I against South Africa due to “back pain”. India went on to win the match by eight wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series.