Umran Malik is an exciting prospect and very much in India's plans: Rohit Sharma

Since the conclusion of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, Indian pace bowling sensation Umran Malik has made some huge strides in his career, and getting the India call-up was one of them. India captain Rohit Sharma called the pacer an “exciting prospect”, adding that the latter was in the team’s plans, going forward.

Rohit said that it was about trying to give Umran an understanding of what the team requires of him. The India skipper added that Umran is one of those on whom the team has an eye from the point of view of the upcoming T20 World Cup and that the team must see what he has to offer. Rohit also stressed that the roles are very different in a franchise compared to the national team.

It is about understanding how you can fit in individuals and give clarity: Rohit

“He is very much in our plans, it is just trying to give him that understanding as to what the team requires from him as well,” said Rohit, in a press conference on July 6, Wednesday. “Yes, there will be times where we want to try out a few guys and Umran is definitely one of those guys, keeping one eye on the World Cup, we want to see what he has to offer for us. He is definitely an exciting prospect, there is no doubt about it.” 

“We all saw during the IPL, he can bowl fast. It is about giving him that role, whether we want to give him the new ball or we want to use him at the backend, when you play for franchises, the role is different as compared to when you play for the national team. It is just about understanding how you can fit in those individuals and give them clarity,” Rohit added.

Rohit has been out of action for India since the conclusion of the IPL in May this year. He was ruled out of the rescheduled fifth Test match against England due to Covid-19, and Jasprit Bumrah led the side in his absence. Talking about his recovery from the illness, he said that he is not sure what would happen going forward, although, he said he was feeling fine at the time. The T20I series between England and India is set to begin on July 7 and the opening batter is expected to lead the team.