Team India’s stand-in T20I captain, Hardik Pandya, assured that J&K pacer Umran Malik will be given enough opportunities and backing so that he can flourish for the Men in Blue.
Pandya’s comment came before the opening match of the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka on Tuesday (January 3) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where Umran can be seen in action with the ball.
The Jammu and Kashmir pacer had a breakthrough year in 2022, despite not getting a consistent run with the Indian cricket team. But now, things are different, as the side is looking to build a fresh team for the T20 World Cup 2024, and Umran will certainly get maximum chances with the side.
Hardik Pandya said at the pre-match press conference: “Obviously, he has pace. Everyone knows how exciting a prospect he is. We will give him enough opportunities. We will give him enough backing. We will give him enough support from our side that he can flourish.”
On being asked about his plans to manage his bowlers, Pandya said: “Just bowl good balls. That is how I am going to manage. Ask my bowlers to bowl the best balls possible. And I think playing at the international level, they're good enough to bowl it there.”
Meanwhile, the star Indian all-rounder said that he and the team management will give all their support to the players and will try to make them believe that they're the best in the business and that’s why they are in the team.
Pandya further explained, “What we have noticed and what we have told the boys is that just go out there and express, which they will do. It's up to us how we back them. What we have said is that we are going to back you to the core. All the players have that supported my side. I'm going to back them to the core. Who are here are the best cricketers in the country? That's the reason why they're here.”
He signed off by saying, “So, I have to make them believe that, which is the fact as well. For me, it is important how I can make them feel that they're the best of their business. If I can get that thing done, I can get that confidence in them, then I don't think they will have any problem in international cricket. I think they will flourish and will have amazing careers as well.”
(With India Today Inputs)
