IND vs WI: Team Feels Umran Malik Has Fallen Behind In World Cup Race - Aakash Chopra

According to Aakash Chopra, Indian team feels that Umran Malik has fallen behind in the race for ICC World Cup 2023. Aakash Chopra said that this was the reason why Umran Malik was allowed to bowl just three overs in IND vs WI 2nd ODI. 

The right-arm pacer arrived with a poor bowling show in India vs West Indies 2nd ODI on Saturday (July 29). Umran Malik was highly expensive across his 3 overs leaking 27 runs as the Indian team sought to defend a 182-run target. The SRH speedster also failed to get any wickets in the match. 

Also Read: IND vs WI: WATCH – Keacy Carty Takes A Blinder To Remove Umran Malik In 2nd ODI

Umran Malik Bowled Just Three Overs In Both ODIs: Aakash Chopra

While speaking about Umran Malik’s position in India’s scheme of things for ICC World Cup 2023, cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra said that it seems like Team India has already made up their mind that the pacer has fallen behind in the race for the World Cup. 

“If I talk about the bowling, Umran Malik again bowled only three overs. He was expensive but bowled only three overs and that too in two spells. He bowled only three overs in the first match. So it seems like they have already made up their mind that Malik has fallen slightly behind in that race,” the 45-year-old said. 

Also Read: IND vs WI: “Speed Alone Can’t Be Only Weapon” – RP Singh Says Umran Malik Doesn’t Have Skills

Umran Malik also failed to scalp any wickets in the 1st ODI, conceding 17 runs off his 3 overs. Aakash Chopra also lauded Shardul Thakur for his brilliant performance in IND vs WI ODI series so far. 

“Shardul Thakur is doing himself a huge favour. He picked up three wickets. He dismissed Brandon King in the last match as well. He is doing what he can do. It is most important that you continue doing your job irrespective of what others are doing,” the former India opener further added. 

Also Read: IND vs WI: Aakash Chopra Criticises Team Management For Resting Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli For The 2nd ODI

Shardul Thakur arrived with a stupendous bowling show in the 2nd ODI against West Indies, hunting 3 wickets in his 8 overs. He was the most successful bowler for India. 

Meanwhile, India lost the 2nd ODI to West Indies by 6 wickets. Batting first, India could only pile up 181 on the scoreboard before getting all-out. After openers Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill etched an opening stand of 90 runs, the men-in-blue faced a batting collapse. 

Later, with brilliant knocks by Kyle Mayers (36), Shai Hope (63*), and Keacy Carty (48*), West Indies chased down the target inside 37 overs. Now, the IND vs WI ODI series stands at a 1-1 tie. The final ODI takes place on August 1 (Tuesday).