'A box that should have been ticked is not ticked' - Aakash Chopra believes Umran Malik's potential hasn't been utilized well

Aakash Chopra has opined that Umran Malik's potential was underutilized in the opening ODI clash between India and West Indies. In Bridgetown, Barbados, on Thursday, July 27, the Men in Blue bowled out Windies for 114 runs after opting to field first. 

However, Umran remained wicketless and conceded 17 runs in the three overs that he got to bowl. Despite being in contention for India's 2023 ODI World Cup squad, he could have been deployed more effectively according to Chopra.

Chopra pointed out that Umran Malik was a crucial box that went unchecked. Although he was included in the team for this West Indies tour, the decision not to retain him for the Asian Games surprised Chopra because Umran's IPL performances were also below par. The former Indian opener emphasized that Umran should have been given another opportunity to bowl later in the West Indies' innings.

"Umran Malik - a box that should have been ticked is not ticked. You have kept this fast bowler, done a slightly left-field selection because he wasn't with the team for the last little while and his IPL was also extremely middling, but you haven't kept him in the Asian Games," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

The Jammu and Kashmir speedster was introduced after the powerplay overs but was limited to a three-over spell. The pitch was conducive to spin, and with Ravindra Jadeja bowling well and claiming three wickets, Kuldeep Yadav registered the best figures of the match, ultimately picking up 4/6 in three overs.

Hardik Pandya's bowling is key for the upcoming World Cup: Chopra

Chopra further discussed the role of Hardik Pandya, suggesting that he should be given six to eight overs to bowl for a better team balance in the upcoming World Cup. In the first ODI, Pandya's bowling fitness was to be tested, but he only bowled three overs. The commentator believed that he should have been given a more extended stint with the ball to assess his fitness and rhythm accurately.

"It seems like Hardik Pandya should bowl six to eight overs. If he can do that, the team's balance will become good. he was bowling decently too, but he bowled only three overs," Chopra added.