India’s new speed sensation Umran Malik has impressed one and all with his amazing performances and raw skills, ever since he made his debut for India. He is considered India’s x-factor, however, because of his extra pace, he didn’t get a single game in the recently-concluded India vs Australia series.
Australia managed to win the 3-match ODI series by 2-1 as they defeated India in the 3rd ODI match in Chennai by 21 runs. On the other hand, it was India’s first ODI series defeat at home since 2019. In between, they won 5-series of deciders in ODIs.
Indian head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma took some bold decisions during the recently-concluded ODI series and not playing Umran was one of them. Besides Umran, Jaydev Unadkat and Yuzvendra Chahal also didn’t get any opportunity in the 3-match series.
Brett Lee’s Advice For Rohit Sharma And Team Management
Meanwhile, legendary Australian fast bowler Brett Lee, who is hailed as one of the greatest bowlers, said India should back Umran regularly in all the formats of the game. He revealed how he has been following Malik’s progress and wants the team management to be extra careful with the pacer. He also asked the team management to include Umran in the ODI squad in India. He said:
“Umran Malik is a wonderful bowler. He is a special talent. If his workload is taken care of properly, he will do wonders. I believe he (Umran) can play all three formats of the game. We must manage him correctly”
He added:
“The best way to manage him correctly is to allow him to bowl, give him as many games as possible, don’t rest him in every second game. Just don’t let him go into the gym more and lift heavy weights. He should do light muscle mass in the gym which is important for him. He should work on his sprinting and obviously his core strengthening.”
Umran Malik Can Be The X-Factor For Team India
Talking about Umran Malik, he has so far played 8 ODIs and 8 T20Is for India picking up 13 and 11 wickets respectively. Umran can provide the side with crucial breakthroughs and even though he can leak runs, he more often than not ends up picking wickets. Umran has inflicted more bowled dismissals than any other mode of dismissals, which makes him dangerous for the opposition.
