Former India opener Aakash Chopra came in for some stiff and valid opposition points from colleagues Ian Bishop and Daniel Vettori, after he had said that Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer Umran Malik was not ready to be included in the Indian team yet.
Malik has captured the imagination of both fans and experts with his ability to bowl extremely fast as he has constantly clocked over 150 kph in IPL 2022 with his fastest ball being 157 kph. He has a fifer to his name in the tournament.
And though he has been expensive in economy rates, he has made many say that he should be included in the Indian team especially with the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia coming up.
During a discussion on ESPNCricinfo, former India batter Aakash Chopra opined that Umran is “not yet ready” to play for India. However, his points were countered swiftly and validly by West Indies' Ian Bishop and former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori.
“Umran Malik is not yet ready to play for India. Of course, we are very excited to see him play. As Indians, this is what excites us the most. I think the kid is still raw, still learning the ropes. There will be the time he plays for India, but he is not ready based on the last couple of games,” Aakash said.
Bishop countered by saying that Umran is ready to be in the Indian squad and learn from the likes of Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah even if he doesn’t get to play in the XI immediately.
“The guy bowled at 157. He has something that I think no one else in the world has, I can't think of anyone in the world who has it. I think if he gets into the squad, he may not have to play immediately. Among Bumrah, Shami, one or two others, (being alongside them) would be important for his learning even more than, say, going on a few 'A' tours. He, sure enough, is learning in this IPL,” said Bishop.
Vettori, meanwhile, said, “Bish (Bishop) made all the points for me.”
Aakash Chopra replied while clarifying himself and said: “I just repeat myself. Umran Malik is not ready to play for India. I'm okay to have him in the squad. But to play for India, I think there is time.”
(ESPNCricinfo inputs)
