Team will give Bumrah ample time to come back : Hardik

MOHALI: All-rounder Hardik Pandya said that the team would not put a lot of pressure on Jasprit Bumrah and give him ample time to make his comeback from injury, after the pace spearhead was not included in India’s eleven for the first T20I against Australia here.

Bumrah was badly missed in the series opener on Tuesday as Australia chased down 209 rather comfortably to register a four-wicket win and take the lead in the three-match series. Barring left-arm spinner Axar Patel (3/17 off 4 overs), all India bowlers leaked 11 or more runs per over at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium.

Bumrah, who did not play the Asia Cup due to a back injury, has been named in the T20 World Cup squad and for the preceding assignments against Australia and South Africa. “We all know what he (Bumrah) brings to the table and how important he is for us. There will be concerns here and there [about bowling], which are fine. We got to trust our boys. These are the best 15 in the country and that is why they are in the squad,” Hardik said.

“Jasprit not being there (in the eleven) obviously makes a big difference. He is coming back after an injury. It is important for him to get enough time to kind of come back and not put a lot of pressure on himself,” Hardik added.

Hardik smashed 71 not out off just 30 balls (7 fours, 5 sixes) to take India past 200. He has been the team’s standout player ever since his international comeback in June. Talking about his performances, Hardik said: “I have got a lot of success recently but for me, what is more important is getting better even on my good days. The kind of career graph I have had, I do not make a big deal about my performances, whether it is success or failure.

“I had a good game today (on Tuesday night). They (Australia players) could target me in the next match and I need to be one step ahead.” In the first T20I, Australia went hammer and tongs in the run-chase, making a mockery of the India attack. Hardik gave credit to the opposition batters. “There was no dew. They played good cricket. We could not execute our plans with the ball, with our deliveries.”

Hardik also praised Cameron Green, who smacked 61 off only 30 balls (8 fours, 4 sixes) on his opening debut and shocked the Indians with his assault. “Good on him the way he played. We have seen a lot of videos, but it is all about executing our plans. He played some good shots and credit where it is due,” Hardik said.

I had a good game. They (Australia players) could target me in the next match and I need to be one step ahead Hardik Pandya, who scored 71* off 30 in first T20I