On Wednesday, the series-deciding third one-day international (ODI) between India and Australia got underway at Chennai’s legendary MA Chidambaram Stadium. The series was tied at 1-1 before the last game. Indian captain Rohit Sharma and the team’s management did not make any changes to the XI that was bowled out for 117 runs while losing by 10 wickets in the last ODI in Visakhapatnam.
There was some debate over whether or not Umran Malik would play in the last ODI of the series, but ultimately the team elected to go with the same bowling attack of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya chipping in as third pacer. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri discussed Umran Malik’s role in the squad and offered some words of wisdom to Rahul Dravid and the team’s management.
The year 2022 was a watershed one for Umran, as he finished the year with 22 wickets and his first call-up to the India national team in June. Despite the fact that fast bowler Umran did not go with India to the T20 World Cup later that year, he has been a regular member of India’s limited-overs teams.
What did Ravi Shastri say?
“I would want him to be part of 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. Classic example is Moammed Siraj. It was the same with him, when he got opportunity, exposure, he’s become almost a certainty across all formats,” Shastri said during a press conference on the sidelines of the Legends League Cricket in Qatar.
“You’ve to save him, you’ve to save Shami. Agar teeno format ye khelnege, toh gadbad hogi (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 mix,” Shastri further said.
In the 2023 Indian Premier League, Umran will play for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. On April 2nd, the franchise’s tournament campaign will begin when they take on Rajasthan Royals.
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