IND vs NZ: “I Think He Had A Good Debut” - Zaheer Khan Praises Umran Malik After First ODI Between India And New Zealand

J&K pacer Umran Malik received lots of praise from all quarters after his impressive ODI debut for India in the first match against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland on November 25, 2022, and Zaheer Khan was one of them.

Malik and Arshdeep Singh were the two debutants for India in the first of the three ODIs against New Zealand. While Arshdeep went wicketless in his 8 overs, Umran Malik picked the wickets of Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell to begin his 50-over career on a good note.

“He was great. He started very well. And the pace which everyone has been talking about that is his strength, he backed it. Towards the latter half, there are some learnings for sure but it’s just the first game for him at this level. It is about going out there, enjoying the moment and giving it all. I think he had a good debut.

You can overlook the runs right now but what is important for a bowler like him, who is bowling at that kind of pace, it is the wicket-taking intent. That was good, and the body language was good too. All the little fine-tuning he will figure as he moves along in his career.

“But what’s important is that he should back his strength and look to bowl as quick as possible. He showed decent control and should continue with that,” Zaheer said exclusively to broadcaster Prime Video at the end of the Indian Innings.

He added that Umran Malik should be groomed as a strike-bowler who picks wickets instead of worrying about leaking runs.

“You need variety in your bowling attack. You have used different bowlers for different things. When you look at Umran, you have got to look at him as a wicket-taker. Let him flourish as a bowler who is going to be that striker of your attack. He someone who is probably not thinking about runs. He will leak runs in the process but you have got to take it in your stride and just back him to be free. That is something which is very important. You can either have really good pace or control. Till the time he is bowling quick, you have to let him be free. Just make sure you tell him… ‘You see that wickets, attack those stumps’,” Zaheer added.

For Someone Is As Raw As He Is, I Think He Had A Brilliant Day: Ajit Agarkar

Zaheer Khan’s former opening partner with the ball, Ajit Agarkar also praised Umran Malik and said that to expect a young tearaway bowler to show both pace and accuracy is too much and that someone of Umran’s calibre should be allowed to express himself freely.

“When someone is as raw as he is, I think he had a brilliant day. I agree with Zak because he gave India the control and the wickets which kept them in the game. 306 as Shreyas said India thought they were above par but with the dimensions of the ground, when there is a set batter, it becomes difficult to stop.

“He got India the wickets they needed – Conway and then Mitchell – so he got India back in the game, bowled exceptionally well,” Agarkar said exclusively to broadcaster Prime Video.

“We don’t expect a young bowler, who is a tear away, to come and bowl on the right line and lengths immediately. That is what gives them the X-Factor. He was very impressive because he showed that control at the start. I think he had a terrific debut and lots to look forward to.

“There are lots of bowlers who can bowl line and length but very few who can get it up to 150. That’s a special ability to have. You’ve got to nurture it and give him that confidence,” he added.

The second ODI will be played in Hamilton on Sunday.

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