IND vs BAN: "His Intent And Body Language Have To Be Always That Even If He Is Getting Hit, He Should Always Be Thinking Of Wickets" - Zaheer Khan On Umran Malik

The third and final One-Day International (ODI) between India and New Zealand was called off owing to rain on Wednesday, November 30, at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, and the Blackcaps won the series 1-0. Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan believes Umran Malik should always consider himself a wicket-taking bowler, even if he goes for runs.

Umran is primarily regarded as a wicket-taking bowler in the middle overs. He is expected to rattle batters with his speed and inject much-needed venom into the attack. Malik has been left out of India’s team for the one-day international series against Bangladesh.

The Jammu and Kashmir pacer, who has only played six first-class matches, will seek to cement his place in India’s Test squad with strong performances in the Ranji Trophy, which begins on December 13.

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You Should Understand What Kind Of Role You Are Playing – Zaheer Khan

During a discussion on Prime Video, former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan believes Umran Malik’s intent and body language must always be that even if he is getting hit, he should always be thinking of wickets.

“What is important is his intent. His intent and body language have to be always that even if he is getting hit, he should always be thinking of wickets because if he is in that strike rate zone of taking two-three wickets every game, then that is going to be the X-factor for him,” Zaheer Khan said.

“As a bowler, you need to understand your strengths and you need to keep on backing them. You should understand what kind of role you are playing. So I think for the Indian team it would be a good addition if he is developing into that sort of a bowler,” he added.

He Was Able To Control His Line Without Compromising On Pace – Zaheer Khan

Zaheer also highlighted that the pacer was not wayward despite bowling at a rapid pace. The former cricketer-turned-commentator stated that Umran should not get confused about not leaking runs and has a very methodical approach.

“He has shown good control as well, that’s something that was a standout. He is someone who can bowl long spells as well, but what impressed me was the fact that he was able to control his line without really compromising on pace. That is very important for him.”

“The pace is something which he has to carry along, there is no doubt it. Playing at the international level, he shouldn’t get confused about not leaking runs and having that very methodical approach. He should just back himself all the time.”

Also read: PAK vs ENG: “When We Went To India For The World Cup, The Respect We Get From India, We Don’t Even Get That From Pakistan” – Shahid Afridi