Shardul Thakur was preferred over Umran Malik in the first ODI against New Zealand because of his superior batting skills but the latter remains very much in the scheme of things for the ODI World Cup at home later this year, stated India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey on Friday (January 20).
Mhambrey was addressing the media conference on the eve of the second ODI, where he said that both Shardul and Umran add value to the team.
“That (batting) is one of the reasons why we picked him (Thakur). He adds depth to the batting. We will have to see the surface and decide the combination accordingly. He has performed well for India,” Mhambrey said in the pre-match presser.
Commenting on Jammu & Kashmir speedster, the bowling coach said: “The way he has progressed, it is very heartening to see. Pace does matter and adds a different dimension to the attack. The decision of playing him will depend on surface and requirement of the team combination.
“He is very much in the scheme of things as far as world cup is concerned. He adds a lot of value to the team.”
Mhambrey also acknowledged that the Indian team is missing the services of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who has been out of action for quite a while due to back issues.
“Bumrah is a unique bowler and he is irreplaceable, let’s accept that fact. It is very difficult to replicate his skills. On the order side, it gives an opportunity for others to be tested at this level. We will find out what they bring to the table and how they deal with pressure.”
He was full of praise for Mohammed Siraj, who returned with the figures of 4/46 in 10 overs against the Kiwis at his home ground in Hyderabad.
“I have seen him from the India A set up. He did exceedingly well with the red ball. He used to get the ball in but has worked on his seam position to get the ball away. He is a very important member of the team not only for World Cup but beyond that as well.”
Chasing 350 to win, the Kiwis were reeling at 131/6 and it seemed that the hosts will cruise towards an easy victory. However, Michael Bracewell (140 off 78 balls) turned the game upside down with a blazing century.
In the end, Indian bowlers hold their nerves and bundled out the tourists for 337 in 49.2 overs.
“When you score 350 on a surface like that you expect partnerships from the other side, they lost six quick wickets but you expect in a game like that, there will be a partnership, and they bat till 8. Santner is a handy batter as well.
“What is important is you win games, you may be tested. We have charted out things we wanted to focus on and implement in this game. We are not looking at too much experimentation but we need to test players that we have shortlisted,” Mhambrey concluded.
(With PTI Inputs)
