There was a likely chance that Umran Malik would play in the series’ penultimate one-day match, but the team choose to keep the combo of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, with all-arounder Hardik Pandya filling in as the third pacer. Earlier this week, Umran Malik’s position in the Indian starting lineup was discussed in-depth by former India head coach Ravi Shastri in the latest cricket news. The former head coach also offered Rahul Dravid and the team’s management advice on how to manage the speedster. Shastri feels that the fast bowler should play all 3 formats for India.
Shastri said
“I would want him to be part of setup. You also have to see how he’s coming along. The team management would be watching. There’s also a right time to blood the youngster across formats. Classic example is Moammed Siraj. It was the same with him, when he got opportunity, exposure, he’s become almost a certainty across all formats,” Shastri said during a press conference on the sidelines of the Legends League Cricket in Qatar.
Shastri further said
“You’ve to save him, you’ve to save Shami. Agar teeno format ye khelnege, toh gadbad hogi (If they play all three formats, it would be trouble). In formats where Shami and Siraj don’t play, give chance to Umran. Everyone should be ready. You’re keeping everyone ready. For example, Bumrah is now injured, you’ve got replacements. That’s very important. He will always be in mix,”
Umran had a breakout year in 2022, getting 22 wickets in the year and eventually being called up for the first time to India in June. Umran has continuously been a member of the Indian limited-overs squads, despite not being selected for the T20 World Cup later in the year. Whenever he picks wickets, The Match Prediction is highly in favor of the Indian team.
