Credit: ACC
Following a dominant 2-1 ODI series win, the action now shifts to the five-match T20I leg as India lock horns with South Africa, with the road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India and Sri Lanka 2026 picking up momentum. Speaking on ‘Follow the Blues’, JioStar experts Parthiv Patel and Irfan Pathan highlighted Jasprit Bumrah’s usage, Hardik Pandya’s all-round impact, Shubman Gill’s opportunity to cement his T20I spot, and the search for a reliable finisher.
Speaking on ‘Follow the Blues’, JioStar expert Parthiv Patel focused on the utilization of Jasprit Bumrah:
“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. India has utilized 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.”
On the return of Hardik Pandya:
“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.”
On Abhishek Sharma’s form:
“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.”
Speaking on ‘Follow the Blues’, JioStar expert Irfan Pathan spoke about the return of Shubman Gill:
“Shubman Gill should cement his place at the top of the order in T20 cricket. We believe in all-format players. We have seen how well he plays in the IPL. Now, he has a chance to cement his place in India's T20 International side. There is a little pressure, but he is a good player. I hope he performs well in this five-match T20I series against South Africa. He is coming back from a small injury. He will get a lot of opportunities across five matches on good pitches. The pitches will have pace and bounce, like in Dharamshala, and he will love batting on them.”
On India’s bowling options and how important the South Africa series will be for them:
“I want to see how the other fast bowlers perform along with Bumrah. Bumrah is the main bowler, but we also have Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube can bowl a bit, and Arshdeep Singh as well. How they perform in this series against South Africa will be very important. With the T20 World Cup scheduled for February next year, this series is really important from a bowling point of view.”
On India’s finishing role:
“I would like to see who plays the role of a finisher with Hardik Pandya, and how they do it. This is a very big aspect. If we have to defend the World Cup, which is in India, it is crucial that our lower-middle order batters stay in form. Along with Hardik, the other batters become very important. Axar Patel can do that, Jitesh Sharma is there, Rinku Singh can also come in. But we have to see who will complement Hardik down the order. My eyes will be on that.”
