'That 19th over... that's a real concern'- Sunil Gavaskar worried about India's death bowling woes

In the first T20I of the three-match series against Australia, India failed to defend a gigantic total of 208 runs. Poor bowling performance in the death overs was a major reason why India lost the match. With 40 runs needed in the last three overs, it looked like the men in blue would hold on to the match.

However, in the 18th over, Harshal Patel gave up 22 runs, and in the following over, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave up 16. This completely changed how the match was going. Sunil Gavaskar, the former captain of India, said that the team's senior bowler's performances has become a "real concern."

The team is worried about Bhuvneshwar's performance because the senior pacer was also expensive during the Asia Cup 2022. Bhuvneshwar had figures of 1/40 in four overs against Pakistan in the Super 4 stage; in the team's subsequent match against Sri Lanka, he had given up 14 runs in the crucial 19th over as the Lankans clinched a thrilling victory to knock India out of the tournament.

"I don't think there was too much dew. We didn't see the fielders or bowlers trying to use the towel to try and dry their fingers. That's not an excuse. We didn't bowl well. For example, that 19th over... that's a real concern," Gavaskar said on Sports Today following the game.

"Somebody like a Bhuvneshwar Kumar is going for runs every single time when he is expected.. in 18 deliveries he has bowled in three matches against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and now Australia, he has given away 49 runs. It is almost three runs per ball. Somebody with his experience and calibre, you expect he will give 35-36 runs in those 18 deliveries. That really is an area of concern," he added.

When Bumrah comes in it might be a completely different situation: Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar added that he anticipates Jasprit Bumrah's return to the team will result in better bowling performance. "What we have seen in last few years is that has been one of the areas where India have suffered. They have not been able to defend goof scores. Maybe when Bumrah comes in it might be a completely different situation because he gets wickets at the top. India didn't get those today as Australia got off to a flying start," the former Indian skipper said.