'I will have him in the squad all the time' - Wasim Akram backs Umran Malik's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad

Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram backed India’s young and sensational player Umran Malik as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022. Malik made his T20I debut earlier this year and has played only three international games so far. The players who are in contention to replace Bumrah in the squad are Mohammed Shami and Mohammad Siraj, but Akram believed Malik is a good option.

Ever since Bumrah was ruled out of the World Cup, many prospects emerged as his replacement. Deepak Chahar, who had been phenomenal since his return, was named as a reserve player but had high chance of making it to the main roster because of Siraj’s poor outings and Shami’s fitness concerns. But even Chahar faced a setback and was ruled out owing to an injury.

The frontrunners to take up Bumrah’s position in the team are Shami and Siraj and it is also being said that the two would join the Indian team in Australia. But Akram wants to see Umran Malik in the squad.

“You see that guy? Umran Malik... he is quick. India took him to Ireland and he got hammered. It happens in T20, but you got to stick with him. If I were in the think tank, then I will have him in the squad all the time. The more he plays, the better he will become. Experience in Twenty20 matters a lot,” Akram was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Bowlers should understand that they will be hammered once in a while: Akram

The remaining 14 members of the Team India squad have started training in Perth, and Umran Malik was chosen to go to Australia as one of the net bowlers, along with Kuldeep Sen, but the 22-year-old is still waiting to board a plane because of visa problems. But as time passes, Malik’s chances of making the World Cup are gradually fading.

Malik has plenty of speed, but many analysts believe that before being allowed a lengthy run with the Indian side, the young player needs to be much more consistent with his line and length. Speaking on the subject, Akram said bowlers should be ready to take hits, particularly in T20Is, and that Umran's situation is no different.

“Unfortunately, Twenty20 format is not for bowlers. The format is the need of the hour, it is entertaining and it's picked up worldwide. Bowlers should understand that they will be hammered once in a while, which they do now. Flat decks become one-dimensional. The pitches in Dubai offered a bit for the bowlers and once it is set then the next day it is better for batters. That should be the future of the format,” Akram added.