With Arshdeep Singh not available for selection due to illness, India were short of a new-ball bowler. Debutant Shivam Mavi shared the new ball with Hardik, who took the initiative to exploit the initial optimum conditions.
The skipper bowled a potent three-over spell in the powerplay, conceding only 12 runs while managing 13 dot deliveries.
Predicting that the all-rounder will once again open the bowling to make the most of the conditions at the MCA Stadium in Pune, Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo:
Jaffer said:
Bowlers, especially the new-ball bowlers, played a key role in Team India’s win in the first T20I. Apart from that, the lower-middle order scored the majority of the runs after the top order stuttered against the Sri Lankan spinners. Debutant Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson failed to flatter while Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel rescued the innings.
Opining that the batters will have to step up to help the rather inexperienced bowling attack, Jaffer said:
Ishan Kishan and Hardik chipped in with some valuable runs but lost their wickets at an untimely interval.
“I would be surprised if Hardik Pandya opts to bat first after winning the toss in Pune” - Wasim Jaffer
Hardik Pandya made a rather surprising statement after losing the toss in the first T20I. He expressed his desire to bat first at the Wankhede Stadium and was willing to expose the team under high pressure, which could prove to be helpful in the long run.
Opining that he does not see Hardik choosing to bat first at the MCA Stadium in Pune, which could prove to be an uphill proposition, Jaffer said:
India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the second T20I of the series on Thursday, January 5.
Will Hardik Pandya still operate with the new ball despite the probable inclusion of Arshdeep Singh in the second T20I? Let us know what you think.
Also Read: “Dropping Yuzvendra Chahal for Washington Sundar would be a huge call” - Wasim Jaffer
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