Harbhajan Singh Wants This Fast Bowler In India’s T20 World Cup Squad: India’s new speed sensation Umran Malik has become one of the most talked-about players in the ongoing 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League, all thanks to his terrific performances and raw pace for SunRisers Hyderabad. He has impressed the cricketing fraternity with his searing pace in the ongoing season.
He has been consistently bowling above the speed of 100mph in the ongoing IPL 2022. On Thursday, made heads turn as he broke yet another record in IPL by clocking 157 KMPH delivery against Delhi Capitals.
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He has impressed one and all with his amazing performances and has been receiving praises from all the corners. Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh believes that Umran should be drafted into the team India squad ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Australia in October-November, 2022.
Speaking at the launch event of Dream Set Go, Harbhajan Singh said: “He (Umran Malik) is my favourite. I want to see him in the Indian team because of what a bowler he is. Tell me any one bowler who bowls more than 150 (kmph) and isn’t playing for the country. So I think, it is a great great thing and he will inspire many youngsters to take up this game, where he has come from and what he is doing in the IPL, he is unbelievable,”
He added: “I don’t know whether he will be selected or not but if I were a part of the selection committee, I would have given a go ahead. Umran Malik should be the partner with Jasprit Bumrah when India plays in Australia…”
Earlier in the past, several former cricketers, including the likes of Irfan Pathan and Dale Steyn, have stated that while Umran Malik should be fast-tracked into the Indian squad and needs to be protected well, keeping his age in mind.
However, Harbhajan feels that age should not be a factor in selection. He said: “When Sachin played for India, he was very young. Of course, he was Sachin Tendulkar, but that’s okay, aise hi player bante hai (this is how players are made). When I played my first Test match, I was 17 and half, but if you keep on thinking that he is a kid, then time will run out. When he is bowling at his best, he should be playing. Someone batting at his best should be there. Forget what his age is, when someone is performing well and is fit enough, they should walk in,”
Furthermore, talking about the challenges that Umran might face at the highest level, he said: “There is more pressure in international cricket, there is no doubt about it, but I think he (Umran) has played enough IPL games against lot of the top players of the world playing in this competition and he has taken their wickets and some of the Indian batters he is bowling to are also brilliant players…”
He added: “Pressure will be there, whether you play against Bangladesh or Netherlands or Australia or England. Any game you play for India, there will be added pressure and that’s what makes you a cricketer what you want to be. I am sure he will also learn, he is a great promising cricketer…”
