Cricket News

Former Indian opener explains the reason behind Umran Malik’s exclusion from playing XI

After his amazing and impressive performance in the 2022 season of the Indian T20 League, Umran Malik was added to India’s squad for the ongoing series against South Africa. India played the first T20 international against South Africa on Thursday but Umran Malik didn’t find a place in the playing XI.

The second of the three-match T20I series is scheduled to be played on Sunday at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has backed the young lad to be part of the playing XI. However, Indian head coach Rahul Dravid denied the possibility of accommodating everyone.

Meanwhile, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has stated that the team management should stick with the same game plan. He opined to not make any changes for the next few matches of the T20I series against South Africa.

It would be unfair to change the team after one game – Jaffer

“I think it would be unfair to change the team after one game and sticking with the same team would be better. Since it’s a five-game series, there are always chances of getting opportunities later. Hence, I don’t think we will get to see Umran Malik play in this match but definitely moving forwards. I don’t expect too many changes for the upcoming fixture,” Jaffer was quoted as saying on ESPNCricinfo.

Talking about the flaws of the Indian team in the first T20I against South Africa, Jaffer opined:

“India has to improve their line and lengths in Cuttack and the ground is big as compared to Delhi’s. Hence, I expect both the team’s bowling units to find some respite. I also feel the pitch will be good for batting. A bigger ground helps the bowlers. Still, better line and lengths and India could look to play Ravi Bishnoi since another leg-spinner would be handy against the likes of Quinton de Kock and David Miller.”