Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa highlighted the importance of Jasprit Bumrah to the team in the shortest format. He also emphasised how important it is for the pacer's workload to be managed properly especially with the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon. Notably, Bumrah was rested for the three-match ODI series against South Africa and was then picked for the five-match T20I series.
He featured in the first and second T20I of the series before being taken off the playing XI for the third match. With the T20 World Cup arriving soon, the Men in Blue will be looking to ensure that Bumrah doesn't sustain any injury that hampers his chances of participating in the tournament.
Uthappa labelled Bumrah as a "match-winner" and remarked that it is essential for the team management to manage his workload ahead of the mega-tournament. However, he also said that the pacer should play a good amount of cricket in order to build consistency heading into the World Cup.
“He is an absolute match-winner, and managing his workload is crucial. Fast bowling is probably the toughest skill in the sport, and Bumrah does it at high pace with a demanding action," Uthappa said oin JioStar.
“You want to protect that, but at the same time, you want him to play enough cricket. We’ve seen glimpses of his brilliance, and hopefully, he can build consistency over the next few games heading into the World Cup," he added.
4th T20I abandoned due to excessive fog
Meanwhile, India lead the T20I series against South Africa by 2-1 after the fourth match was called off due to excessive fog. This was just the second time in history that a match got abandoned due to fog surrounding the pitch and reducing visibility. It proved to be a frustrating evening for both the teams and fans as the match wasn't able to commence even after multiple delays and pitch inspections.
Series finale to be held in Ahmedabad
The fifth match of the series between the two sides will be held at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19. While India will be looking to maintain their superb form in T20Is and seal another series, South Africa will be aiming to spoil their party and draw the series at 2-2 by coming out victorious in the final game.