Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer feels young fast bowler Umran Malik will have to wait for a little longer to make his India debut. Jaffer believes the Men in Blue will field an unchanged playing XI in the second T20I on Sunday against South Africa.
Riding on match-changing knocks from power-hitters Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller, the visitors outclassed Rishabh Pant and Co. in the series opener. After suffering a demoralizing defeat at the hands of the Proteas, hosts India will hope to bounce back in the 2nd T20I.
While it looks like the Men in Blue might alter with their bowling unit, Wasim Jaffer doesn’t think so. The former cricketer feels it will be better to stick with the same playing XI. Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Jaffer said:
“I think it would be unfair to change the team after one game and sticking with the same team would be better. Since it’s a five-game series, there are always chances of getting opportunities later. Hence, I don’t think we will get to see Umran Malik play in this match but definitely moving forwards. I don’t expect too many changes for the upcoming fixture.”
Umran Malik impressed everyone with his raw pace in the recently concluded IPL 2022. The Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer consistently clocked over 150 kmph and returned with 22 wickets, including a five-wicket haul.
“India could look to play Ravi Bishnoi” – Wasim Jaffer
The 44-year-old also backed the inclusion of spinner Ravi Bishnoi at the expense of Axar Patel. Jaffer feels the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner can come in handy against Quinton de Kock and David Miller in the 2nd T20I.
“India have to improve their line and lengths in Cuttack and the ground is big as compared to Delhi’s. Hence, I expect both the team’s bowling units to find some respite. I also feel the pitch will be good for batting. A bigger ground helps the bowlers. Still, better line and lengths and India could look to play Ravi Bishnoi since another leg-spinner would be handy against the likes of Quinton de Kock and David Miller,” he added.
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