Umran Malik is widely regarded as one of India’s most exciting speed bowling talents. The heartbreaking Srinagar-born bowler received rave reviews for consistently hitting the 150km/h mark in the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 22-year-old pace sensation has been impressive with the ball for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in this season’s IPL, picking up 22 wickets at a remarkable average of 20.18 in 14 matches. Subsequently, Umran Malik received his first national call-up for the just-concluded series against South Africa. However, head coach Rahul Dravid didn’t give him the chance in all five games against the Proteas. But the speedster has been retained in India’s squad for the upcoming T20Is against Ireland later this month. It remains to be seen whether he will have a chance in the two games in Dublin. Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar and former national selection committee chairman MSK Prasad believe that not picking Umran Malik in the playing XI could be head coach Rahul Dravid’s strategy as the former National Academy cricket (NCA) is known for giving young players a long rope. At the moment, Rahul Dravid seems to be quite happy with Avesh Khan’s bowling performance and may not want to upset the apple basket.
“It’s not fair for me to comment since I’m not part of the team management. Not playing Umran immediately could be part of the team strategy. You never know… Maybe they are waiting to release him at the right opportunity,” Dilip Vengsarkar told The Telegraph.
“We talk a lot, but who plays in place of Umran? Avesh Khan… Someone who played earlier for the country and did well. Dravid therefore did the right thing by opting for continuity. Avesh has been playing well at all stages of the game. Even Harshal Patel is in good form. So I don’t see anything wrong with holding him back,” MSK Prasad said in an interview with the same publication.
“Okay Umran did well in the IPL. But he has to wait and his chance will come… Everyone should have a fair race and Dravid did the right thing.
In the past, the legendary Sunil Gavaskar compared the talent of Umran Malik with the great Sachin Tendulkar and urged the Indian team management to hand him his first cap as soon as possible.
“The last time I was really excited to see an Indian player was Sachin Tendulkar. And after that I’m excited to see Umran Malik. I think he should play but again they might say let’s win the third and put ourselves in a situation, then maybe they can think about experimenting. It also depends on what kind of surface they get in Vizag,” Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
Meanwhile Irfan Pathan who has seen Umran Malik up close having managed him in the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team has called on captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid to give the express pacer some match opportunities so he can prove his worth on the international stage.
“He hasn’t played yet; it still hasn’t debuted. Debut him first, see how he performs when he debuts. But if he makes his debut and God forbid if it doesn’t go well, don’t leave him out,” Irfan Pathan told Star Sports.
“We’ve never had a bowler who bowls at 150 km/h; now we have it, so take it with caution over the long term. You have to see what his longevity is, how long his fitness is going to take him,” added the former Indian all-rounder.
“One thing he has is raw pace, which you have or you don’t. You can’t teach anyone to play fast, whether it’s Irfan Pathan or the best mentor or coach in the world, you can only make it better,” he said.
“You can do the fine tuning; we did it; the Indian team will make it even better. But if it’s the team, debut it; if he does well, push him forward, and if he doesn’t do well, persist with him because you don’t get such a pitcher every time,” Irfan Pathan pointed out.
On the other hand, Glenn McGrath called Umran Malik a “unique” pacer who could turn into a “very dangerous bowler” if he could have excellent control and consistency in his deliveries.
“Yes, the express rhythm of bowling is something quite unique. And it’s very special. If you can combine this extreme pace with control and consistency, then you become a very dangerous bowler. It’s just about getting that experience, once you get to the top you have to work even harder. As long as his work ethic is good and he seeks to improve, who knows where he can go,” Glenn McGrath told NDTV.
“There is still time for him (Umran playing Tests). You must also go out and do business in first class cricket. When you’re bowling at a fast pace, everyone gets excited and fair enough, but yeah, being around the team is pretty special. I haven’t spent any time with him so I don’t know what he looks like as a character and how he does it,” the Australian bowling icon concluded.
