After impressing everyone with his blistering pace during the Indian Premier League, there were high hopes that Umran Malik would be seen in action in the recently concluded T20 series against South Africa after receiving his first India call-up. Malik, on the other hand, did not make the starting XI in any of the four games. Meanwhile, Mohammad Kaif explained why Umran Malik was unable to make his T20I debut against South Africa.
Malik will now fly to Ireland, where India will play two Twenty20 Internationals beginning June 26. After the fifth rescheduled Test is completed, Team India will play three T20Is and as many ODIs against England.
Mohammad Kaif on why Umran Malik didn’t make his debut in IND vs SA series
Rahul Dravid, according to Mohammad Kaif, is ensuring that Umran reads the game from the dugout before making his international debut.
“I would like to see Umran Malik play for India one day. But at the same time, I don’t want to make him rush. Like, Rahul Dravid is making sure he is sitting in the dugout, watching the game from outside. He’s got the pace; he’s strong and has got the form going at the moment. I am not the only one, the whole of India wants to watch him play for the country one day. His time will come but Rahul Dravid is doing a good job of settling his nerves down and when the time arrives, he will do a great job for India. He’s got the skill, pace and right temperament as a bowler,” Kaif said.
Also, Kaif believes that Tripathi, who scored 413 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2022 at an average of 37.54 and a strike rate of 158.23, is ready to play for India.
I was very happy when Rahul Tripathi was picked for the Indian team because someone who has been doing so well in domestic cricket, in IPL whenever he plays for any franchise, either KKR or SRH, he’s fantastic. The way he strikes the ball after coming at number three and he can play well against spinners as well as the pacers, I was very happy and I hope he gets a chance to play. Someone like Tripathi can grab the chance with both hands. He looks ready for India. Let’s hope he gets a chance and plays a fantastic knock for India,” Kaif added.
