ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Umran Malik Should Have Been Picked In The Indian Squad For The World Cup – Brett Lee

Australian pace bowling great Brett Lee feels that the Jammu and Kashmir express pacer Umran Malik should have been selected in India’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, which is set to take place in Australia in October-November.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 is scheduled to commence on October 16 with the group stage matches. The Super 12 round will commence on October 22 and the final is set to take place on November 13 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

ICC Teams  Rankings | ICC Players Rankings

Ahead of the marquee tournament, India National Cricket Team have suffered major injury blows as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja have officially been ruled out of the World Cup. Also, Deepak Chahar, who was named as a reserve player for the T20 World Cup, has reportedly been ruled out of the marquee tournament.

Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami are looked at as potential replacements for Bumrah and one player amongst Siraj and Shami will most likely be included in India’s World Cup squad.

However, if it comes to selecting between the two, legendary Australia National Cricket Team right-arm quick Brett Lee has put in his vote for the express pacer Umran Malik, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“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,” Lee told Khaleej Times.

Lee admitted that Umran is raw and young, but opined that his express pace would be very valuable in Australian conditions. He said:

“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.”

A strong Indian side is the side that has Jasprit Bumrah – Brett Lee

Lee further said that Jasprit Bumrah getting ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 is a big blow to India’s chances at the marquee tournament.

“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,” added Lee.

India National Cricket Team will lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan National Cricket Team in their tournament opener on October 23 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Also Read: India T20 World Cup 2022 Squad, Schedule, Match List, Players List, Predicted Playing XI