Ravi Shastri discussed Umran Malik’s chances at the World Cup and how the Indian bowler may be chosen for the squad.

Umran Malik, a speed demon, has generated controversy since making his international cricket debut. Umran’s speed is undoubtedly what first draws attention to him, but if one were to look further, other aspects of his bowling unmistakably make him a threat to the opposition. Despite the potential of leaking runs (which every bowler confronts), Umran can break up partnerships and often succeeds in getting wickets. Umran, a 25-year-old tearaway fast, has only gone wicketless once while claiming 15 wickets in the previous eight games, including two three-wicket hauls. He is challenging to play since he has more bowled dismissals than any other player.

For every position in the Indian team, but notably in the fast-bowling division, there is fierce competition. A World Cup is coming up, and the lineup is formidable. Jasprit Bumrah will be back, and Mohammed Shami, his dependable partner, will be there with the new ball. Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh will also be banging on the door with solid track records, while Hardik Pandya’s return to full-tilt bowling gives India another option.

It would be interesting to observe how the team management would react if Umran were to be added to this situation. Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes there is no reason why the country’s pacer can’t go to the final 15. Shastri, who oversaw an outstanding period in Indian cricket, believes that Umran is more suited to ODIs than T20s. Umran will always have a chance to join the World Cup roster given the volume of injuries that have lately arisen.

“I feel he has more chances in 50-over cricket than T20. Given how often cricket is played, he will also always be a possibility since injuries may happen at any time. You have a deadline for making your World Cup team announcement. The competitors’ physical condition will be crucial. Because of this, it will be crucial throughout the 2017 IPL to see how the bowlers manage the pressure.” Shastri observed during his commentary that Umran had figures of 2/9 in the third One-Day International between India and New Zealand, including a 150 kph rocket to take out Michael Bracewell.

Umran, who served as the Indian team’s net bowler during the T20 World Cup last year, will participate in the Australia One-Day Internationals after the four-test Border-Gavaskar Trophy before resuming his duties for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League in 2023. Umran’s main test will begin in the IPL since it is expected that he will play in at least all 14 games. His chances of making the World Cup will be greatly influenced by how his body holds up after the IPL.

Shastri made the equation sound more challenging while presenting the results of a returning Bumrah. Rohit Sharma will undoubtedly choose the veteran bowler first if he returned. India seems to be a difficult team to beat, even without the middle overs from Hardik and other fascinating prospects, which make them much more intimidating for the visiting teams given their home record “Bumrah is so fantastic that you would want him back. He enjoys fame. His return to the team fully recovered would greatly enhance the Indian team. When Hardik bowls for India, this team is a completely different one, thus he is an essential component. India has a strong domestic history. The boys’ health—Bumrah—can significantly change the situation. Kuldeep and Chahal both bowl well, while Arshdeep also adds variety. Washington Sundar is a wonderful organization since they are always a threat “Shastri said.