The 23-year-old Umran Malik debuted in the first ODI against New Zealand and took two wickets dismissing Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell and conceding 66 runs in 10 overs. Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma has urged the Indian team management to back the best bowler among pacers in the country.
He said on India News: “The management should back him as he is an excellent talent. Umran can bowl at 150 kph plus. You need to identify your fast bowlers and Malik is the best speed-wise. He needs to be groomed properly and should be given confidence about his place in the team. He must be told not to cut down on pace even if he goes for a few runs.”
Before his first one-day international, Malik played three T20Is for India. He claimed two wickets at an average of 56 and a strike rate of 12.44. However, he was dropped from the side and was not considered for the T20 World Cup.