Former India head coach and now commentator, Ravi Shastri feels that Umran can make a big impact in the upcoming 50-over World Cup.
The 25-year-old Jammu and Kashmir pacer has been making great strides for India on the international front.
He has the pace and more than that, he can take crucial wickets to break partnerships.
But, he can also leak some amount of runs but in the end, he manages to take wickets.
Right now, Umran has more bowled dismissals as a bowler than in any other method of dismissal.
In just 8 matches, he has picked up 15 wickets which include 2 three-wicket hauls. On the other hand, he has gone wicketless only once.
However, looking at the current scenario, there is heavy-duty competition for slots in all the departments and the pace department is no different.
India has the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami who will be back for the marquee ICC event.
Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammad Siraj will also be looking out for opportunities thus it remains to be seen whether the team management picks Umran or not.
On the other hand, Shastri feels that the management will pick Umran in the final 15 as injuries can crop up before or during the tournament.
Says Shastri,
I think he plays an opportunity more in 50-over cricket than in T20s. And with the amount of cricket that is being played, he will always be in the mix because there could be injuries cropping up anytime. There is a deadline to announce your side for the World Cup. The fitness of players will be the key. That’s why this IPL will be crucial to see how they (bowlers) take the load.
Umran will be a key part of the team during the ODI series against Australia
Moreover, India will be facing Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the 9th of February.
After that, they will have an ODI series in which Umran may feature yet again.
After the completion of the ODI series, Umran will return to his IPL team, Sunrisers Hyderabad.
That’s why Umran’s real test will be to play all 14 ODI games before the World Cup and ensure that he is at peak performance during this period.
Adds Shastri,
You would want Bumrah back, really because he is magical. He is a star. Him back in the side fully-fit will really lift this Indian team. And Hardik is such a key component. Him bowling for India makes this team a different side. India have got a great record at home. The boys are fit- Bumrah- it can make a big difference. You’ve got a variety in Arshdeep as well, Kuldeep and Chahal have bowled well. Washington Sundar is threatening all the time so it’s a good bunch.
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