Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria reckons Indian selectors could have picked Umran Malik in the T20 World Cup squad. Kaneria feels India would have needed Umran Malik’s extra pace in the Australian conditions.
The former Pakistan cricketer believes India should have played Umran Malik ahead of Avesh Khan in the Asia Cup and it would have given them a better idea for the T20 World Cup.
However, Umran Malik has received some opportunities for the national team after he impressed while playing for SunRisers Hyderabad in IPL 2022, picking 22 wickets in 14 matches. But the fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir was expensive in his spells while playing for Team India.
Meanwhile, India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will make a return in the series against Australia but Kaneria feels the ace paceman will take time to hit the straps.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaneria explained: “They could have also tried Umran Malik. India will need a bowler who can bowl at a good pace on the Australian tracks. Jasprit Bumrah is returning from an injury and it will take time to regain the rhythm.
“I know he is still very raw. But you will need somebody with that kind of pace. Umran should have been there in place of Avesh at the Asia Cup. This would have given them a clearer idea.”
Furthermore, Harshal Patel will also make a return to the national team after recuperating from a side strain injury.
Kaneria added: “There is still a question mark over Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness. He is set to make his return and it remains to be seen how he fares. Harshal Patel is also returning from an injury. It will be very important for them to get their form and rhythm back quickly.”
On the other hand, Kaneria questioned the selection of Ravichandran Ashwin. The veteran off-spinner hasn’t been a consistent part of the playing XI for India in the recent past.
“Ravichandran Ashwin is a proven campaigner. But he hasn’t had consistent opportunities in T20Is. He got a chance during the Asia Cup 2022 in the UAE, but his performances weren’t up to the mark.
“The wickets in Australia will be quite hard and on those surfaces, you’ll need a wrist spinner and not a finger spinner.”
India will take on Australia on Tuesday.
