South Africa Has Fought Well In Every Format : JioStar Expert Sanjay Bangar

With India taking a 2–1 lead in the five-match T20I series against South Africa, attention shifts to Lucknow. Speaking on ‘Game Plan’, JioStar expert Sanjay Bangar analysed Abhishek Sharma’s intent, Shubman Gill’s form, Hardik Pandya’s all-round impact, and the challenge South Africa could pose.

Speaking on ‘Game Plan’, JioStar expert Sanjay Bangar on Abhishek Sharma’s attacking mindset: “First of all, it’s his attacking mindset. If there’s a delivery outside the off stump, he hits it very hard. One very important aspect of his batting is his high backlift. He holds the bat above the handle, which gives him excellent reach. Because of the swing he generates, he can hit big sixes, especially over the covers. Hitting sixes over the covers is a special ability. He doesn’t try to hit from below, which gives him an incredible range.”

On Shubman Gill’s form and areas of concern: “In the beginning, his footwork was very positive. But if you remove three or four boundaries over 28 games, the issue has been on straighter lines. Against straight deliveries, his strike rate has fallen quite low. Outside the off stump, his strike rate is good, but there have been a few edges as well. Overall, he has scored runs, but straight-line play is something he will want to improve. In the second game, the ball that got him out was a very good delivery—it could have dismissed any batter. His footwork has improved, and if he continues to play with clear footwork, he will be able to hit the same shots consistently, like the three or four boundaries we’ve seen.”

On Hardik Pandya’s impact with bat and ball: “Going deep inside the crease is Hardik Pandya’s specialty. Even when he goes that deep, his weight remains on the front foot, which is a very good thing. As a batter, we always encourage waiting for the ball. He plays with a very wide base, which allows him to generate a lot of power. He can play front-foot shots, back-foot shots, baseball-style hits, full shots and the upper cut. He opens up both sides of the ground, which is a special ability. He bowls at around 132–133 kmph with a fuller length, where close to 54% of his deliveries are pitched up, and he gets wickets from there. He allows the ball to swing, and when required, he goes for the yorker as well. The Indian team has benefited immensely from his ability.”

On South Africa as a threat in Lucknow conditions Bangar said, “The way this series has gone, South Africa has fought well in every format. On the Lucknow pitch, there is bounce and seam, and South Africa’s fast bowlers will look to make early inroads. India will need to be prepared for that challenge.”