Cricket News

‘You can’t pick him when he becomes a 130kmph bowler’ – Former Indian cricketer lashes out at selectors for not picking Umran Malik

When the Indian squad for the 20-20 World Cup was announced, the selection raised a lot of eyebrows and there is still a lot of discussion on the matter even now. Jasprit Bumrah in all likelihood should be ruled out of the 20-20 World Cup 2022 due to a back stress fracture. When the squad for the mega tournament was announced, a lot of people wanted Umran Malik in the side because of his express pace.

The former chairman of selectors, Dilip Vengsarkar feels that Umran Malik should have been part of the 20-20 World Cup squad for 2022 because of his ability to clock 150kmph. He would also frustrate and hurry the batters up with his extra pace, according to Dilip Vengsarkar.

The right-arm pacer was rewarded for his good performances in the Indian T20 League with a national call-up and made his debut against Ireland in June this year. However, he failed to deliver in his limited opportunities with the Men in Blue. The 22-year-old picked up only two wickets in three T20Is, including 1/56 against England.

” There is no out-of-the-box thinking. I would have picked Umran Malik because of his speed. He is a guy who is bowling 150kmph; you’ve got to pick him now; you can’t pick him when he becomes a 130kmph bowler.”

“If Umran Malik would have been picked for the Asia Cup 2022, then there would have been a point of difference in the Indian pace attack. In Dubai, where the wicket was flat and grassless, where there was no bounce, you needed fast bowlers. If you had medium pacers, you would be tonked around. You needed fast bowlers who could beat the batters in pace.”

Umran Malik had a good season in the Indian T20 League for the Hyderabad side where he picked up a good number of wickets in the last edition which was held in India.