SRINAGAR: Umran Malik, the pace sensation from Jammu and Kashmir has been named in Team India’s T20 squad against New Zealand.
The 22-year-old pace sensation, who was left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad will return having played just three matches for India – two against Ireland and one against England.
There has been a huge hue and cry about Umran potentially deserving a place in the World Cup squad but the selectors decided otherwise. With a plethora of legendary fast bowlers – such as Wasim Akram, Brett Lee and Dale Steyn – being vocal in their support for Umran, here is the rookie pacer’s chance to have a crack at the BlackCaps batters in chilly New Zealand conditions.
Hardik Pandya and Shikhar Dhawan have been named captain of India’s T20I and ODI squads respectively for New Zealand tour starting November 18.
The J&K-born speedster impressed the selectors after he continuously bowled at 150 km plus speed in the recently held Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). He bowled a fiery spell for Jammu and Kashmir against Maharashtra. He picked four crucial wickets which included Maharashtra skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. Malik eventually finished with 4/27 in his superb spell.
The 22-year-old was picked as a net bowler during India’s campaign at T20 World Cup. Luck however had something else in store as his visa hiccups crashed his dreams.
