There is heated discussion over the 15-man squad for the India cricket team’s T20 World Cup campaign. Even more so considering that, in addition to their outstanding all-arounder Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, their top bowler, has also been injured and is now out of the competition. A reserve player, Deepak Chahar, who was expected to be one of the contenders to replace Bumrah on the squad, has also sustained an injury and is all but out of the World Cup. India’s options are limited to either calling up either speedy Umran Malik or Mohammed Siraj or promoting the seasoned Mohammed Shami to the main team in the face of looming troubles.
Shami is most likely to be chosen, but rumors that Umran and Siraj may be traveling to Australia with the Indian squad as net bowlers have increased the excitement. Siraj will enter the World Cup on the strength of a “Player of the Series”-caliber performance against South Africa, while Umran has been dubbed raw and last played for India in Ireland back in June. However, former Australia bowler Brett Lee has voted for Umran and believes the 22-year-old should be in India’s World Cup team if choosing between the two.
One of Australia’s finest pacers Brett Lee recently said, “Umran Malik, is bowling at 150 km per hour. I mean when you have the best car in the world, and you leave it in the garage, then what’s the point of having that car? Umran Malik should have been picked in the Indian squad for the World Cup.” He added, “Yes, he is young, yes, he is raw, but he bowls at 150 kmph, so get him in the team, get him to Australia where the ball flies through. It’s different when you have a guy bowling at 140 kmph and a guy who is bowling at 150 kmph.”
Umran’s chances of participating, though, seem minimal given that the fast bowler is apparently having visa problems. Additionally, the fact that he has only played in three T20Is for India and has been rested suggests that the team management believes he is still not ready. India needs a pacer to pair with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, and Arshdeep Singh now that Bumrah’s injury, which Lee calls a “major blow,” is present. This is especially true given that the team’s death bowling looks to be an issue with bowlers leaking runs.
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He concluded, The fact is that Jasprit Bumrah suffered the back injury, it’s huge blow to India’s chances (at the World Cup). I am not saying they can’t do it. They are a wonderful side, but a strong Indian side is the side that has Jasprit Bumrah. That would put pressure on guys like Bhuvneshwar Kumar.”
