In a boost to Team India, star pacer Harshal Patel is set to return after a long injury layoff. Patel, who was not part of India's Asia Cup squad, will partner another returnee in Jasprit Bumrah, as India begins preparations for the T20 World Cup against defending champions Australia.
Speaking ahead of the opening game Patel said that a player has many insecurities on return from an injury and he was thankful for receiving the full backing from his captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid. India will face off against the hosts of the marquee tournament Australia in the first T20I match in Mohali on 20 September, and Patel will most likely feature in the game.
“They (India coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma) have been nothing but supportive. It does take a bit of pressure off you. Because sometimes people make foolish decisions when they’re returning to play. They’re either trying to do too much or trying to push too hard because they feel that their place is in danger or for whatever reason,” the fast bowler told ESPNCricinfo ahead of the match.
India will be expected to unleash their full strength against Australia, a combination that they have not been able to play due to multiple injuries in the squad. Going into the World Cup, the goal would be to iron out the plans and hope to shake off the group stage exit memories from the 2021 edition of the tournament.
“But if you know for a fact that the team management will remember what you’ve done prior to getting injured, and those performances and contributions are not forgotten, then that gives you a sense of calm or comfort that once you go back into the team-obviously you will have to perform again and again and that goes for every single cricketer-you know that you will hold that place in the team,” he further added.
