We may see Hardik Pandya again with new ball in second T20I: Wasim Jaffer

Former India batter Wasim Jaffer believes there is a fair likelihood that Hardik Pandya will bowl with the new ball in the second Twenty20 international match against Sri Lanka. Pandya, who is leading the side for the 20-over games, started things off for India with the ball in the second innings, when India had to defend 163 runs but could not complete his four-over quota.

India is without a new-ball bowler since Arshdeep Singh is sick and unavailable. Hardik Pandya took the initiative to take advantage of the early pitch conditions with the new ball, despite the fact that debutant Shivam Mavi was expected to take charge. In the powerplay, the all-rounder bowled a strong three-over spell, giving away 12 runs and bowling 13 dot balls.

Ahead of the second T20I, Jaffer believes that Pandya will take charge of the new ball yet again. While speaking to ESPNCricinfo, he said:

“Watching it on TV, it did not seem like Hardik Pandya's injury was a major one. He may not bowl four overs, but he could bowl three overs with the new ball like he did in the first T20I. The surface in Pune typically favors the pacers, we have seen it assisting the fast bowlers in the past, and there is good carry as well. So, we may see Pandya again with the new ball in the second T20I.”

Bowlers, particularly new-ball bowlers, were crucial to Team India's victory in the first T20I. After the top order struggled against the Sri Lankan spinners, all-rounders Axar Patel and Deepak Hooda scored a chunk of runs. The duo saved the innings after but newcomer Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Sanju Samson failed to impress. Wasim Jaffer believes that the hitters will need to step up to support the relatively inexperienced bowling attack.

“Umran Malik is relatively new, Mavi will only be playing his second T20I and we don't know how much Hardik Pandya will bowl. The spin attack did not appear to be too effective even though they are experienced bowlers, so I think that's why the batters need to step up,” Jaffer added.

I think India will wrap up the series in Pune itself: Jaffer

After losing the toss in the first T20I, Hardik Pandya said something unexpected. At the Wankhede Stadium, he stated that he would like to bat first and was willing to put the squad under a pressure, to take up new challenges, which may be beneficial in the long run. Jaffer expressed his opinion, saying that he does not see Hardik opting to bat first in the next game, as it could prove to be a difficult decision.

“I would be surprised if Hardik Pandya opts to bat first after winning the toss in Pune. I think the side winning the toss should look to bowl first. The teams will be looking to exploit the conditions on offer early on, because the wicket settles down after that, and again the dew factor also comes in. I think India will wrap up the series in Pune itself,” Jaffer further stated.

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