Harshal Patel is a fear if pitches in Australia for T20 World Cup are flat, bouncy: Sanjay Manjrekar

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed doubts over Harshal Patel’s effectiveness in Australian circumstances when India head Down Under for the T20 World Cup, beginning October 16. The cricketer-turned pundit mentioned Harshal’s slower balls may not be an efficient instrument to include batters on pitches which have tempo and bounce.

Harshal Patel returned to the India T20I facet after recovering from rib damage for the continuing 3-match collection towards Australia at house. The pacer has advanced into an efficient weapon within the center in addition to the dying overs for India in T20Is.

Harshal’s slower balls have labored wonders because the Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer disguises the supply with out a lot change in his bowling motion. Harshal, who received the Purple Cap in IPL 2021 with a record-equalling tally of 32 wickets, has managed to select up 23 wickets in 18 T20Is together with his economic system fee being on the upper facet of 8 per over.

The RCB pacer was taken to the cleaners on his return to the T20I facet as he gave away 49 runs in his 4-over quota as Australia gunned down a 209-target with 4 balls to spare in Mohali.

“Harshal is someone we’ve seen for a number of years. We’ve seen him in the IPL as well. He’s a guy who rebels when the pitch is dry when his slower ball becomes really slow and becomes very difficult to play,” Manjrekar informed Sports18.

Harshal is but to play T20I cricket in Australia. The 31-year-old was hammered on a flat pitch in Ireland earlier this 12 months as he gave away 54 runs in his 4-over spell. Notably, Harshal has conceded at over 9 runs per over in 2022 however the crew administration has backed his skillset and wicket-taking capacity for the T20 World Cup.

“Last time his slower balls were going at around 120kmph. So, it’s not a huge drop in pace. So, Harshal is a worry if the pitch is flat, bouncy and pacy. That’s what you’ll get in Australia. So that’s another thing that India will be mindful of, the skills of Harshal in Australia,” Manjrekar added.

CAN BUMRAH SOLVE BOWLING ISSUES?

Meanwhile, the previous India batter additionally mentioned he isn’t involved an excessive amount of about India’s bowling failures within the latest previous, saying Jasprit Bumrah’s return together with Mohammed Shami’s availability will remedy the problems.

India have been struggling to defend totals in T20Is. After shedding to Sri Lanka and Pakistan in decisive Asia Cup Super 4 matches, the Asian giants allowed Australia to gun down 209.

“The bowling issues will be easily addressed with Mohammed Shami being available and Bumrah coming back. So, there were real important positives. After the Asia cup, I was slightly disheartened and pessimistic. But after this loss to Australia, I’m not that depressed,” he added.

Bumrah, who missed the Asia Cup and was rested for the firs T20I in Mohali, is more likely to return to the 2nd T20I, which can be performed in Nagpur on September 23.

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