India, Dec. 9 -- As India tune up for next year's T20 World Cup, former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel believes the five-match series against South Africa will quietly decide some of the biggest tactical calls facing Gautam Gambhir's side - starting with how they use Jasprit Bumrah, and extending to the returns of Hardik Pandya.

Parthiv called the series "important preparation" and said the runners-up tag South Africa now carry only raises the stakes for India's combinations and game plans.

"It is an important series for India, especially against the World Cup runners-up South Africa. It will be good preparation. There are a few things I'm looking forward to. Number one is how India uses Jasprit Bumrah," said Patel on JioStar.

He pointed o...