Powerplay overs will be vital in the five-match T20 International series against Australia, which begins in Canberra on Wednesday, according to India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who added that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will be vital for the visitors with the ball.
Bumrah has always been a benefit for his team, according to Suryakumar, particularly when facing Australia’s aggressive Powerplay approach during the first six overs.
“Yes, it is always a challenge, we have seen how they (Australia) played in the ODI series and also in the T20 World Cup. Powerplay is always important,” Suryakumar said in the pre-series press conference on Tuesday.
“You saw in the Asia Cup, he (Bumrah) took the responsibility of bowling two overs minimum in the Powerplay, so it is good that he is raising his hand, acting as if he is that guy who will take charge. It is going to be a good challenge definitely against the Aussie team in the Powerplay.”
In terms of playing in Australia, the 31-year-old Bumrah is the most seasoned member of the Indian T20I team. Suryakumar stated that his strike bowler is adept at preparing for a successful series.
“The way he (Bumrah) has played his cricket for the last so many years, he has kept himself right on the top, and he knows how to prepare for a good series, he knows how to come and play cricket here.
“I think he has visited this country the most from all the guys, so all of the players have spoken to him, he is very open and very helpful in that. Definitely when he takes the ground it will be a good thing, good to have him in the squad, when we play in Australia.”
Additionally, Suryakumar also hinted that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who missed the third and final ODI because of a quadriceps injury, could be available for the T20I series.
“I think he is doing fine. Yesterday he did some bit of running, batting also in the nets. Today he wanted to take a break as it was an optional practice but we came to the ground because we had a team meeting and he wanted to stay with the group because T20 is new team, all the guys have come in, so he looks good.”
According to him, the team views the five-match Twenty20 International series against Australia as an extension of the preparation for the World Cup next year.
“There is not much change in combination, because last time when we went to South Africa, we played with one fast bowler, one all-rounder and three spinners. The conditions are similar, bouncy tracks.
“Preparation obviously started with the Asia Cup and it will continue like this. We are not looking like we have come to a foreign country to play so we will look at this series in a different way. It’s a build-up to the World Cup, but at the same time it’s quite challenging as well, so I am sure it will be a good one.”
Asked about the brand of cricket the team will play, he said, “There are always challenging conditions, when you go to Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, there is challenging cricket in all these countries. But how you adapt it and how to play shots, how to make runs, it is non-negotiable at this level.”
The Indian captain stated that after the team’s subpar performances in a few recent games, the players are also putting a lot of effort into fielding.
“It’s a part of the game, but what you do after that (poor fielding) is more important. Today was an optional session, but everyone came to field, so that means the team is working towards something really special and this is a department that I have said that we will have to work a little hard if we want to be the best fielding unit in the world.
“We are working hard on it. But there is no guarantee that if you take 25 catches today, then tomorrow it will not be dropped again. But creating intent and opportunity is important for me. If catch is dropped, there is disappointment obviously, but at the same time, if you are doing it with effort, then there is no problem.”
He acknowledged that choosing the starting lineup is challenging because the squad has a lot of possibilities.
“It’s a good headache with so many options, fast bowling, spinners, from top to 7th you can bat anywhere, so it’s little difficult to explain to those who are not playing.
“But everyone in this team knows the goal, that is to win the match. No matter what the combination is, your goal is to win for India.”
He cited Rinku Singh’s role in the Asia Cup victory as an example of how any player might have the chance to play at any time.
“It is only 11 people who can play, 15 cannot play. In the Asia Cup, Rinku Singh did not get the opportunity till the final, but at such a time he got the opportunity when he needed 3-4 runs to win and he hit the boundary.”
Additionally, he claimed that he did not place any expectations on anyone, including Shivam Dube, who was crucial to India’s victory in the Asia Cup.
“He (Dube) has been working really hard on his bowling. I showed so much confidence that I made him bowl twice in Asia Cup final, I have played with him for 8-10 years, so I knew.
“I saw that he has good preparation, if your preparation is good, there is no doubt in your mind, and he is very clear with his plans.”
