Published: Dec 09, 2025, 04:33 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 09, 2025, 04:33 PM (IST)
Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has underlined the importance of Jasprit Bumrah’s return, Hardik Pandya’s role and Abhishek Sharma’s promising form ahead of the five-match T20I series between India and South Africa starting December 9. After a commanding 2-1 win, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Bumrah, who was rested for the ODIs, is set to rejoin the squad for the T20Is. Speaking on Jiostar, Patel emphasised that the upcoming series holds significant value for India, particularly when facing a strong South African side that finished as runners-up in the recent T20 World Cup.
“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 utilised 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,” Patel said.
Pandya had been sidelined since suffering a quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup 2025 in September. The setback forced him to miss the final against Pakistan – which India went on to win – as well as the white-ball tour of Australia.
The all-rounder, however, proved his fitness while turning out for Baroda in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), earning him a place in India’s T20I squad. Parthiv Patel noted that Pandya’s return will be crucial for India, calling him a key player capable of making an impact with both and ball.
“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,” Patel added.
Patel also commented on Abhishek Sharma’s recent form in the ongoing SMAT, saying that his consistency at the top of the order will play a vital role in India’s success.
Ahead of the series, Sharma amassed 304 runs in six matches for Punjab, averaging 50.67 with a staggering strike rate of 249.18. His tally includes a century and two half-centuries, highlighting his explosive impact at the top.
“Abhishek Sharma is the player of the season. He has been getting a lot of runs and hitting many 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,” Patel concluded.
The India will open the five-match T20I series against South Africa on Tuesday in Cuttack. The second game is scheduled for December 11 in Mullanpur.
The action then moves to Dharamsala for the third T20I on December 14, followed by the fourth match in Lucknow on December 17. The series will conclude in Ahmedabad, which hosts the fifth and final T20I on December 19.
