Xtra Time Web Desk: Will Umran Malik get an opportunity in the first T20I against South Africa at Feroz Shah Kotla? The pace sensation from Jammu was fast-tracked in the Indian team following his stupendous show in the recently concluded IPL 2022 season. The 22-year-old pacer consistently clocked 150+ kmph in the season. He bowled the fastest delivery in the season (157 kmph) before New Zealander Lockie Ferguson overtook him by clocking 157.3 kmph.
Umran picked 22 wickets in 14 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He finished as the fourth highest wicket-taker in the season.
Now the big question is will Umran get an opportunity in the upcoming series. Captain KL Rahul and Head Coach Rahul Dravid will have a good headache as far as figuring out the best pace combination is concerned. The Indian T20 squad have five pace bowling options with the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik.
It will be a tricky selection as Harshal Patel is the only bowler who both picked wickets and kept a good economy rate in IPL 2022. So, in all likelihood he will feature in the playing XI along with experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar. With Hardik Pandya bowling in the IPL 2022, it is not guaranteed Umran will find a place in the eleven. He will have tough fight with Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh.
Umran Malik and Avesh Khan are two bowlers who did pick up a lot of wickets, but they also went for plenty of runs. On the other hand, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh did not get as many wickets, but they were very economical. Hence, it will be interesting to find out what team India rolls out.