Abdul Rashid, the father of Umran Malik, who was watching the India vs New Zealand game at home, appeared to be very pleased with his son’s performance.
Rashid also highlighted how unaffected he was when India unveiled their squad for the T20 World Cup.
Abdul Rashid on the performance of Umran Malik
On November 25, Umran Malik made his ODI debut for India against New Zealand in Auckland’s Eden Park, making a lasting impression on all who saw him. Arshdeep Singh, who also played in his first ODI, was given the number 248 whereas Umran was given the number 249.
When Umran Malik was left out of India’s T20 World Cup roster, there were numerous heated disputes and discussions on live television and social media. Harbhajan Singh, Dilip Vengsarkar, and other former India internationals expressed their displeasure with the choice, but to everyone’s surprise, Abdul Rashid, Umran’s father, thinks it’s fantastic that the team management didn’t push him because he’s still learning.
Malik had to wait a while before playing for India in an ODI match, despite having a strong showing in the most recent Indian Premier League. However, Malik seized the chance when it presented itself against New Zealand in the opening ODI of the current series and claimed two significant wickets with the new ball. Umran dismissed Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell with lightning speed and conceded 66 runs in ten overs.
Abdul Rashid, Umran’s father, described how unconcerned he was when India unveiled their T20 World Cup roster. He defended the selectors by claiming that because the seasoned players were performing well, Umran was not selected.
“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. 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,” Rashid said.
Rashid was happy to see Umran Malik and Sanju Samson playing for the national squad after a long absence. He acknowledged the two cricketers’ growing social media following and expressed his optimism that India will win the second ODI.
“It was important for him (Umran Malik) to play the ODIs and he made a decent debut. The almighty backed him so did the entire nation. People were talking about getting Umran and Sanju Samson in the team. It happened today and we felt great,” he 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,” he further added.
