Umran Malik, who broke away from Sunrisers Hyderabad and Jammu and Kashmir, made his much-awaited debut against Ireland in the first T20I in Dublin on Sunday (June 26). However, to the dismay of the fans, Umran was given just one over in the rain-hit first match.
The 22-year-old pacer bowled just one over in which he conceded 14 runs, which included a four and a six. “Have been put back after talks with Umran, he is more comfortable with the old ball and he batted brilliantly. So hopefully he gets a chance. When you play for India for the first time, and the journey he has made, it is important to give time to such a bowler and so much talent,” captain Hardik Pandya said after the first match.
First ball in international cricket… #umran malik In #srh #orange army pic.twitter.com/kh6BNo3Luk— shrii raam sagar sulssn (@SagarSurampudi) 26 June 2022
Malik was kept in the Indian team After a successful IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad. “Whether it was a good day or a bad day is irrelevant. For him, just playing for India is a big deal in itself, and it is something I am very happy for, (regardless of the outcome) Yes, good or bad, that’s okay.)
“It’s part and parcel of the game, but at the same time, from here on out he will only get better, the more matches he plays, and for him to play for India is a big deal, for anyone to play for India. . . Want to let her enjoy this moment because it doesn’t come every time. Debut happens only once,” Pandya said.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled to be played in Australia later this year, Pandya said the idea is to give all players some game time to make up the team. “Our ultimate goal is to be better for the World Cup. It is a good step that we have taken consciously that the players are showing the kind of attitude and character that will help us during critical games in the World Cup.
“You get experience from playing and it is a conscious effort by the management to get the players they are considering and give them the best chance of getting a few games under their belt rather than coming to the World Cup. Play your first game. We want people to be involved and by the time the World Cup comes, we will have a tough team.”
(with PTI input)