"We may see Hardik Pandya again with the new ball in the second T20I" - Wasim Jaffer 

Former India batter Wasim Jaffer feels there is a good chance of Hardik Pandya bowling with the new ball in the second T20I against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder opened the proceedings for the Men in Blue while defending 163 at the Wankhede Stadium in the series opener on Tuesday, January 3.

With Arshdeep Singh not available for selection due to illness, India were short of a new-ball bowler. Debutant Shivam Mavi shared the new ball with Hardik, who took the initiative to exploit the initial optimum conditions.

The skipper bowled a potent three-over spell in the powerplay, conceding only 12 runs while managing 13 dot deliveries.

Predicting that the all-rounder will once again open the bowling to make the most of the conditions at the MCA Stadium in Pune, Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo:

"Watching it on TV, it did not seem like Hardik Pandya's injury was a major one. He may not bowl four overs, but he could bowl three overs with the new ball, like he did in the first T20I."

Jaffer said:

"The surface in Pune typically favors the pacers, we have seen it assisting the fast bowlers in the past, and there is good carry as well. So, we may see Pandya again with the new ball in the second T20I."

Bowlers, especially the new-ball bowlers, played a key role in Team India's win in the first T20I. Apart from that, the lower-middle order scored the majority of the runs after the top order stuttered against the Sri Lankan spinners. Debutant Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson failed to flatter while Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel rescued the innings.

Opining that the batters will have to step up to help the rather inexperienced bowling attack, Jaffer said:

"Umran Malik is relatively new, Mavi will only be playing his second T20I and we don't know how much Hardik Pandya will bowl. The spin attack did not appear to be too effective even though they are experienced bowlers, so I think that's why the batters need to step up."

Ishan Kishan and Hardik chipped in with some valuable runs but lost their wickets at an untimely interval.

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"I would be surprised if Hardik Pandya opts to bat first after winning the toss in Pune" - Wasim Jaffer

Hardik Pandya made a rather surprising statement after losing the toss in the first T20I. He expressed his desire to bat first at the Wankhede Stadium and was willing to expose the team under high pressure, which could prove to be helpful in the long run.

Opining that he does not see Hardik choosing to bat first at the MCA Stadium in Pune, which could prove to be an uphill proposition, Jaffer said:

"I would be surprised if Hardik Pandya opts to bat first after winning the toss in Pune. I think the side winning the toss should look to bowl first. The teams will be looking to exploit the conditions on offer early on, because the wicket settles down after that, and again the dew factor also comes in. I think India will wrap up the series in Pune itself."

India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the second T20I of the series on Thursday, January 5.

Will Hardik Pandya still operate with the new ball despite the probable inclusion of Arshdeep Singh in the second T20I? Let us know what you think.

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