IND vs SA: Sarandeep Singh Feels Umran Malik Can Do Wonders Against South Africa

Former Indian team selector Sarandeep Singh said on Monday he was astonished by the selector’s choice to exclude senior players in the group declared for the T20 series against South Africa however noted that pace sensation Umran Malik can perform well in the series.

Umran Malik got his first India call-up. The express fast bowler from Jammu got 22 wickets in 14 games for SunRisers Hyderabad in this IPL season.

Umran Malik Is More Consistent Than Last Year: Sarandeep Singh

“Last year he bowled well but was not so consistent. But this year, he is more consistent and is bowling well too. Lastly, this player can do wonders against South Africa in both red-ball and white-ball cricket,” Sarandeep Singh told ANI.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been rested for the T20I series. Dinesh Karthik, Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya get back in the saddle after their breathtaking show in this season of IPL. The team was announced on Sunday.

“Was surprised that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were rested for the series. And at this moment Virat Kohli is in very good form. So the selectors must have felt that other players should be given a chance,”.

“And there are some other players who have been performing well in IPL for the last two years. I think they should get a big opportunity to play before World Cup so that we have other players ready so that if the senior player gets injured, the junior can take his place.”

Sarandeep Singh Surprised By Rahul Tripathi’s Absence From Indian Team

The former Indian team selector was a little shocked that Rahul Tripathi, who had an extraordinary IPL 2022 season, didn’t get a spot in the side.

“A little surprise, I felt that Ruturaj Gaikwad got a place in the team but Rahul Tripathi did not. The season did not go so well for Ruturaj,” he said.

The selection committee on Sunday named India’s squad for the South Africa ODI series. KL Rahul will lead the group and wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant will be the vice-captain for the five-match T20I series against South Africa beginning June 9.

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