IND vs NZ: “Jo Jab Hona Rehta Hai Wahi Hota Hai” – Umran Malik's Father On Pacer's Non-selection In T20 World Cup Squad

Jammu and Kashmir express pacer Umran Malik’s father, Abdul Rashid, has opened up on the non-selection of the 23-year-old in the squad of the India National Cricket Team for the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.

Umran Malik, who has the ability to bowl the deliveries consistently at over 150kmph, had a breakthrough season in IPL 2022. He bagged 22 wickets in 14 games in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 at an average of 20.18, an economy of 9.03 and a strike rate of 13.40.

ICC Teams  Rankings | ICC Players Rankings

After his amazing show with the ball in the Indian Premier League, the young pacer got his India call-up. However, after a short 3-match run, he was dropped from the team as he failed to leave a mark at the international level.

Umran Malik received a re-call for the ongoing India tour of New Zealand 2022. He didn’t get the opportunity to play the T20Is but made his ODI debut in the first game of the three-match series.

The express pacer delivered a fine performance on his debut as he finished his spell with the figures of 10-0-66-2. However, India lost the first ODI match by 7 wickets at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday (November 25).

Umran Malik’s father, Abdul Rashid, was delighted after his son’s ODI debut and he talked about the face-off between Umran and his former Indian Premier League (IPL) captain at Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kane Williamson. Also, he talked about the pacer’s absence from India’s World Cup squad.

“I told his mother that Umran used to bowl him [Williamson] in the nets and now they are facing each other. Aage ustaad hai toh pichhe chela (a faceoff between the master and the disciple). I really enjoyed watching them,” Rashid said in a conversation with News18 Cricketnext.

“Dekhiye janab… Log keh rahe the na, ki world cup nahi khela, lekin hum kehte hai ki achha hua jo nahi khela. Jo jab hona rehta hai wahi hota hai! (People were saying that he couldn’t get selected for the World Cup. We think it is great that he didn’t make it. Things happen when they are meant to),” he said.

You don’t need to rush behind anything, The kid is in the learning phase – Umran Malik’s Father

Rashid further said that Umran is still in the learning phase and he is learning from the seniors in the Indian dressing room.

“You don’t need to rush behind anything. The kid is in the learning phase. He shares the dressing room with the experienced ones. He’ll go there and learn from them. You need not hurry. The big players who are already there, they are doing pretty well while others get the opportunity after being noticed,” Umran’s father added.

He further mentioned that many fans and experts were calling out for the inclusion of Sanju Samson and Umran Malik in India’s playing XI after they were left out of the team for the T20Is against the Black Caps.

“It was important for him to play the ODIs and he made a decent debut. The almighty backed him so did the entire nation. Sabka kehna tha ki Umran Mallik aur Sanju Samson ko khilao (People were talking about getting Umran and Sanju Samson in the team. It happened today and we felt great,” Rashid further added.

“Our kid is playing for the country. What else could we ask for? The entire world is watching him. It was his debut and we are happy for him. India should’ve won the game but no worries, we will win the next one,” Rashid concluded.​

Also Read: IND vs NZ: “They Will Have To Seriously Think Of It”: Ravi Shastri’s Stern Message For Shikhar Dhawan And VVS Laxman After India’s Loss To New Zealand In Auckland