Srinagar: Former Team India pacer RP Singh has termed J&K pacer Umran Malik’s pace as his advantage and insisted on to be given consistent chances in Team India.
Umran Malik made a return to Indian ODI team earlier this week for the first time since January 2023, but bowled only three overs without a wicket.
Umran didn’t look lethal, neither did his short balls look threatening despite the pace. He conceded 17 runs, and returned without a wicket.
Former India pacer RP Singh , who is part of the broadcasting team at JioCinema, the official broadcasters for the West Indies series, believes Umran’s problem is not with his mindset.
“I don’t think it’s a confidence issue, but there are a few things that I noticed while commentating during the 1st ODI. He was bowling cross-seam deliveries quite a lot, that could have been avoided. His pace was good but he bowled only three overs, which I felt were less. He could’ve been given more overs. Rohit opted to give the ball to Kuldeep instead,” Singh was quoted by Hindustan Times.
“I don’t see any major issue with his bowling, though. I actually think his deliveries have started moving a bit. Things are still in his favour. He needs more matches. When you get 2-4 wickets, you don’t need external motivation”.
“He was relying on cross-seam, maybe to find reverse. I think he should stick to seam only. I don’t find any major problem right now. If he gets 7-8 overs in a game with some consistent spells, he will be more aware of how his body is reacting, and whether he is in rhythm or not.”
“Before the World Cup, we will have many matches. If we do well in Asia Cup, we will have 5-6 matches here. Overall, there are still many matches remaining till that World Cup opener. If he gets a consistent run in those games, he will certainly do better,” says Singh.
“I will still say, his biggest advantage is his pace. The problem is the skill. The (ball) movement isn’t much right now, and planning the game (needs to improve). You also have to set batters up. He hasn’t learnt that as quickly as he should have. He concedes run, that remains the biggest worry. So, the Indian team needs to know how and when to use him,” said Singh.
“By the looks of it, he will remain in the loop for the World Cup. And you can’t develop a player by playing him one game and then benching him for two. If they think Umran Malik is one for the future, they have got to show faith in him and polish him”.
“When we played, our major focus early into the game was to be economical, so the captain shows faith in us to give longer spells. And that’s something Umran has to learn himself. The earlier he learns that, the better for him,” former India pacer added.