‘We’ve been saying the same thing for 10 years’ – Parthiv Patel questions India’s over-reliance on Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has questioned the team’s planning following their defeat in the fourth T20I against England in Bristol. He stated that India cannot continue relying on Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya to turn things around, as has often been the case over the past decade.

India suffered a comprehensive nine-wicket defeat in the fourth T20I, slipping to a 3-0 deficit in the five-match series. After posting a modest total of 158/9, the visitors were outplayed as England, led by Harry Brook, chased down the target with ease, reaching 159 in just 13.5 overs with 37 balls to spare. Reacting to the defeat, Parthiv criticised India’s shot selection and overall planning, suggesting that the team’s issues run deeper than the absence of key players.

“The way batters are getting out, it’s not like there is any doubt about anyone’s skill. However, if the ball is not there for the pull shot, you cannot hit it. The question is about the shot selection. It comes down to the planning. Obviously, England are playing better than us, but the planning is not happening properly,” Parthiv said on JioHotstar.

“If the ball is going across you and you try to hit it on the leg side, the ball won’t go. All these balls would have gone out of the ground in the IPL. There are many questions. We have been saying the same thing for the last 10 years, that everything would be fine once Bumrah and Hardik Pandya come,” he added.

Need to plan for the 2028 T20 World Cup: Parthiv Patel

When asked what he would say to captain Shreyas Iyer following India’s disappointing performances in the last two T20Is, Parthiv stressed the importance of planning for the future. The former wicketkeeper-batter said India need to identify and back players who fit into their long-term plans for the 2028 T20 World Cup rather than relying on the return of a few senior stars.

“You shouldn’t deep dive as soon as the match gets over. You need to let one day go. Many things have gone wrong in both matches. You don’t want to think too much today (Thursday). Then you think about your short-term and long-term plans,” said Parthiv.

“This series is over now. It’s not like something would happen if you win one game. If you are planning for the 2028 World Cup, how many players from this team would fit in till 2028? If they are not fitting in, make a decision and stick with it,” he concluded.

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