Important to give Jasprit Bumrah enough time after comeback from injury: Hardik Pandya

Bumrah, who did not play the Asia Cup due to a back injury, has been named in the T20 World Cup squad and the preceding series against Australia and South Africa. He was missed badly in the series opener against Australia on Tuesday as the visitors chased down 209 rather comfortably. Barring Axar Patel, all bowlers leaked more than 11 runs per over. "We all know what he brings to the table and how important he is for us. There will be concerns here and there (about bowling) which is fine. We got to trust our boys. These are the best 15 in the country and that is why they are there in the squad.

Read AlsoIndia vs Australia 1st T20I Highlights: Australia tear into Indian attack, gun down 209-run target to take 1-0 lead

India's frailties with the ball were laid bare as Australia gunned down a formidable 209-run target rather comfortably for a four-wicket win in the first T20I on Tuesday.

"Jasprit not being there obviously makes a big difference. He is coming back after an injury, it is important for him to get enough time to kind of come back and may be not put a lot of pressure on himself," said Hardik. The star all-rounder smashed 71 not out off 30 balls to take India past 200. He has been the team's stand out player ever since his comeback post the IPL. Talking about his performances of late, he said: "I have gotten a lot of success recently but for me, what is more important is that even on my good days how can I get better? The kind of career graph I have had, I don't make a big deal about my performances whether success or failure.

Read AlsoWe need to look at our bowling: Rohit Sharma

India captain Rohit Sharma attributed the 4-wicket defeat to Australia in the first T20I on their lacklustre bowling performance, an