Srinagar: Former Australia pace legend Brett Lee has said that India by leaving out the rising pacer from T20 World Cup 2022 squad has left out best car in the World in garage.
India has been struggling with injuries. Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the tournament and Mohammad Shami is likely to replace him. Mohammad Siraj and Umran Malik are going to join squad as net bowlers.
Meanwhile Brett Lee feels that 22-year-old J&K pacer should be in India’s World Cup squad.
“Umran Malik is bowling at 150 km per hour. I mean when you have the best car in the world, and you leave it in the garage, then what’s the point of having that car? Umran Malik should have been picked in the Indian squad for the World Cup,” Lee told Khaleej Times.
“Yes, he is young, yes, he is raw, but he bowls at 150 kmph, so get him in the team, get him to Australia where the ball flies through. It’s different when you have a guy bowling at 140 kmph and a guy who is bowling at 150 kmph.”
Chances of Umran playing though appear slim as the fast bowler is reportedly stuck with visa issues. He is currently playing for J&K in Syed Mushtaq Al Trophy T20 tournament.
Umran has featured in only three T20Is for India and the fact that he has been rested shows that the team management probably feels he still isn’t ready.
“The fact is that Jasprit Bumrah suffered the back injury, it’s huge blow to India’s chances (at the World Cup). I am not saying they can’t do it. They are a wonderful side, but a strong Indian side is the side that has Jasprit Bumrah. That would put pressure on guys like Bhuvneshwar Kumar,” added Lee.