Jammu & Kashmir express Umran Malik could be handed his maiden Team India call-up for the five-match T20I series against South Africa.
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Jammu & Kashmir pace express Umran Malik could be fast-tracked into the Team India squad, courtesy of his impressive bowling performance in the Indian Premier League 2022. It is unlikely that the national selectors, who have been closely monitoring the new talents in IPL, pick up a new squad for the five match T20I series against South Africa starting from June 9 but Malik could be made an exception. His ability to bowl consistently at 150 kmph has made a strong case for him to be fast-tracked into the national team with former India captain Sunil Gavaskar strongly backing him for the selection.
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Malik picked up his first five-wicket haul for SunRisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2022 clash against Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday. One of his deliveries touched the 152.3 kmph mark during the match but he has set even higher goals for himself.
“I always bowl fast but I’ve been trying to bowl better lines and lengths. Plan was to rotate between between my plans. Idea was to attack the stumps and it’s worked well for me. 155 (kph), hopefully it happens, but the main goal is to bowl well and pick wickets for my team,” Malik said at the post-match interview.
Former India captain Virat Kohli has seen a slump in form in the IPL 2022. However, it will not hamper his place in the Team India squad, unless he opts for a break ahead of the lucrative tournament. His Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate Dinesh Karthik, who has shown that he has still got it all in the twilight zone of his career, will also be an important part of discussion for the selection panel.
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s inclusion, meanwhile, will be another topic of discussion for the selectors. The Baroda cricketer has looked far matured in his approach since taking over the leadership role. He has, significantly, ran through his four overs consistently and picked up wickets in a major contribution for the first time since recovering from injury.
