IND vs NZ: "He Is A Crucial Bowler For Them In The World Cup" - Salman Butt On Umran Malik

Team India dominated and whitewashed New Zealand in the three-match series with a 90-run win in the third and final ODI at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Tuesday, January 24. Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has expressed his delight over young pace sensation Uman Malik getting consistent opportunities in India’s ODI setup heading towards the ODI World Cup later this year.

Many former cricketers believe that the Jammu and Kashmir pacer is the next big thing in the future for India. Malik represented India in 13 matches and picked up 13 wickets. The 23-year-old was a little bit expensive, but provided crucial breakthroughs at regular intervals. Team management has assigned him the role of enforcer in the middle overs to trouble the batsmen with his raw pace.

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Kuldeep Yadav Showing Consistent Wicket-Taking Form – Salman Butt

In a video on his YouTube channel, Salman Butt praised India’s bowling attack and said that they performed well in the final match with their senior bowlers rested. The former Pakistan opener said that Umran Malik can be a crucial bowler for Team India in the World Cup.

“India wasn’t playing with their full-strength bowling attack. But the likes of Hardik [Pandya], Shardul [Thakur] and even Washington Sundar bowled with the new ball,” Salman Butt said.

“Umran Malik is getting regular chances, which is good as I feel he is a crucial bowler for them in the World Cup. Kuldeep Yadav showing consistent wicket-taking form is also great news for India in a World Cup year,” he added.

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They Have All The Bowling Resources – Salman Butt

Salman Butt believes that India’s bowling attack is well-balanced, with Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami in excellent form, while Umran Malik has impressed with his pace. Butt believes that with the return of Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah, Team India will become even stronger.

“As far as World Cup is concerned, Siraj and Shami have been in good form. Umran Malik’s presence is crucial for them. Jasprit Bumrah will be back by that time and Jadeja is also fit, so they have all the bowling resources.”

Following the ODI series, India will take on New Zealand in the first T20I of the three-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, on Friday, January 27. Hardik Pandya will lead the side in the shorter format, with Suryakumar Yadav serving as his deputy in the absence of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul.

Also read: IND vs NZ: “India Will Start As Runaway Favourites, But The Matches Might Not Be That Interesting” – Aakash Chopra On ODI World Cup 2023

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