Michael Clarke says ODI series against Australia would have been different if India had Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya

Former Australian series Michael Clarke reckons the ODI series between India and Australia could have been different if the visitors had the services of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. While Bumrah was not picked for the three-match series, Pandya is recovering from a niggle, which he suffered in the Asia Cup.

Bumrah was rested for the ODI series against Australia but has played the first three T20Is. Meanwhile, India suffered a 1-2 series loss against Australia in the ODIs.

“India is a different team with Bumrah. I think that’s the other thing we’re seeing. They haven’t played a lot of cricket together, this Indian T20 team, so it takes a bit of time to get used to Australian conditions. But I feel when Bumrah is playing, they’re a different team and that is what they missed in the one-day series. If they had Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, I think it would have been a very different series,” Michael Clarke said on ‘Beyond23 Cricket Podcast’.

The 2015 World Cup winning captain Bumrah has a defining role in India’s wins as well as losses.

“Seeing him bowl in these T20s, he’s one of a kind. He’s actually that good. To be an individual player and to be able to be so defining in a win or a loss shows how good a player he is,” he added.

Meanwhile, India registered a five-wicket win at Hobart to level the series and Clarke reckons that win would have done them a world of good. 

“It’s going to be good now. Now that both teams have won a game, particularly India getting that win, I think it does their confidence a world of good. Australia need to find ways. Playing at the Gabba suits Australia’s style more so than the Gold Coast. I think the wicket will be slower there. Interesting to see if they make any changes. The series is in a good place,” he said.

The fourth T20I between India and Australia will be played on Thursday at the Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast.