ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Make Umran Malik's Debut First! Irfan Pathan Shares His Opinions On Indian Pacer's Induction In T20 World Cup 2022 Squad

Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan shared his opinions on Umran Malik’s inclusion in the India squad for T20 World Cup 2022. Pathan said that first, we should allow Umran Malik to make his debut. Then according to his performance, we should think about the further steps.

Umran Malik is among the fastest pacers that Indian cricket has seen so far. The right-arm pacer consistently bowls 150+ kmph deliveries. He plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL. He is yet to make his debut for the Indian team. Recently, he was part of the Indian quad for IND vs SA T20I series.

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See How Umran Malik Goes When He Makes His Debut: Irfan Pathan

During a conversation on Star Sports, cricket commentator Irfan Pathan was questioned whether Umran Malik should be picked for the T20 World Cup 2022 squad. To this, Pathan replied that we should first allow him to make his debut and then plan according to his performance.

“He (Umran Malik) has not yet played; he has still not made his debut. First make him debut, see how he goes when he makes his debut. But if he makes his debut and god forbid if it does not go well, don’t leave him aside. We have never had a bowler who bowls at 150 kph; now we have got that, so take him for the long haul carefully. You have to see what is his longevity, how long his fitness is going to take him.” Irfan Pathan said.

Pathan also suggested that if Malik bowls well during his debut, we should prepare him for T20 World Cup 2022. If he doesn’t, we should not leave him and prepare him for the long run.

“One thing he has got is raw pace, which you either have, or you don’t. You cannot teach anyone to bowl fast, whether it is Irfan Pathan or the world’s best mentor or coach, you can only make him better. You can do the fine-tuning; we have done that; the Indian team will make it even better. But if it is the question of the squad, get him to make his debut; if he does well, take him forward, and if he doesn’t do well, persist with him because you don’t get such a bowler every time.” Irfan Pathan further said.

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Umran Malik executed a brilliant show in IPL 2022 for his team Sunrisers Hyderabad. The right-arm pacer scalped 22 wickets in 14 games at an average of 20.18. He finished as the team’s top wicket-taker and 4th highest wicket-taker in the tournament. He was slightly costly at his economy rate of 9.03.

Malik was also part of the IND vs SA T20I series. However, he did not get to play any game out of 5 games as India stuck to the same playing XI in all the matches. However, Malik is part of the forthcoming IND vs IRE T20I series. He is expected to make his debut during the two T20I matches against Ireland.