Former World Cup winner Ravi Shastri wants the Indian team management to fast-track speedster Umran Malik to be included in the playing 11 of the Indian team. Malik is currently part of the Indian squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series against Australia.
Speaking at the media, during the Legends League Cricket in Doha, Ravi Shastri wants the Jammu express to be part of the Indian setup and also added it is time for the management to infuse some fresh blood in the team citing the example of Mohammad Siraj who has been an exemplary bowler for India in absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
“I would want him to be part of the setup. You also have to see how he’s coming along. The team management would be watching. There’s also a right time to blood the youngster across formats. A classic example is Mohammed Siraj. It was the same with him, when he got the opportunity, exposure, he’s become almost a certainty across all formats,” Ravi Shastri said.
Mohammed Siraj was the leading wicket-taker for India in 2022 in the ODI format and Siraj has been providing breakthroughs for India constantly and is touted to lead India’s bowling attack in ODI World Cup along with Mohammad Shami, as the availability of Jasprit Bumrah is still unknown.
Umran Malik, made his debut for Team India last year and is fast becoming a key member of the team in limited-overs cricket. The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2022 making his debut for India in T20I and ODI cricket. He has so far picked 13 and 11 wickets respectively in the white-ball formats. Umran Malik has been already hailed as one of the most exciting players to have donned the Indian jersey in Indian cricket.
Everyone Should Be Ready – Ravi Shastri Wants The Management To Get Back-ups Ready
Ravi Shastri insisted India should play Umran Malik in the formats where Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj didn’t play to gradually get him into the side, stating more pacers should be ready to play for India and the management should be ready with the replacements for the injured pacers.
“You’ve to save him, you’ve to save Shami. If they play all three formats, it would be trouble. In formats where Shami and Siraj don’t play, give chance to Umran. Everyone should be ready. You’re keeping everyone ready. For example, Bumrah is now injured, you’ve got replacements. That’s very important. He will always be in the mix,” Shastri further added.
India should look to nurture Kuldeep Sen, Mohsin Khan, and Shivam Mavi as the backup option. As the ODI world cup is scheduled for later this year, India will have to sort out their team and the world load management of the player for the marquee event. India will sweat over the availability of Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shreyas Iyer for the iconic event.