Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh needs SRH tempo sensation, Umran Malik, to be drafted into the Indian group for the T20 World Cup and associate Jasprit Bumrah within the ICC showpiece.
The 22-year-old Malik, who’s taking part in for Sunrisers Hyderabad within the ongoing Indian Premier League has been bowing constantly over the 150 kmph mark.
Malik, who has picked 15 wickets to this point, has bowled the quickest supply — 157 kmph — within the present IPL.
“He (Umran Malik) is my favourite, I want to see him in the Indian team because what a bowler he is,” Harbhajan advised reporters right here on Friday.
Harbhajan was talking after ‘DreamSetGo’ turned the Official Travel Agent of the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia.
“Tell me any one bowler who bowls more than 150 (kmph) and is not playing for the country. So, I think it is a great thing and he will inspire many youngsters to take up this game, where he has come from and what he is doing in IPL, he has been unbelievable,” he added.
Harbhajan stated if he was within the nationwide choice committee, he would have drafted the Jammu pacer into the Indian group.
“And I don’t know whether he will be selected or not but if I was part of selection committee, I would have given a go ahead. Umran Malik should partner Jasprit Bumrah when India plays in Australia (for T20 World Cup),” stated the previous off-spinner.
“I am sure he (Umran) will also learn, he’s a promising cricketer and I hope he gets selected and plays for India.”
Harbhajan stated the 22-year-old Malik’s age shouldn’t be an element whereas contemplating him for the nationwide group.
“When Sachin (Tendulkar) played for India, he was very young. Of course, he was Sachin Tendulkar, but that’s okay, ‘aise hi player bante hai’ (players are made like this).
“When I played my first Test, I was 17 and half, but if you keep on thinking that he is a kid, then time will run out. When he is bowling at his best, he should be playing. Forget what his age is, when someone is performing well and is fit enough, they should walk in,” stated Harbhajan.
Backs Kohli, Rohit to come back good earlier than T20 World Cup
Saying that going by way of a lean patch is an element and parcel of a participant’s profession, Harbhajan backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to roar again to type a lot earlier than the T20 World Cup to be held in October-November.
“Of course, they are champion players, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, they are champion, world-class players, I am hopeful that they will get back to form much before the (T20) World Cup.
“This (lean patch) is a part and parcel of the game, everyone goes through this and I am sure they will come out of it and they will become ever stronger and better players out of this (phase),” added Harbhajan.
Backs ‘Kulcha’ to be a part of Indian group for T20 WC
Harbhajan additionally backed the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal to board the flight to Australia for T20 World Cup.
“I certainly believe that you have to bring ‘Kulcha’ back. Kuldeep and Yuzvendra, I think they have been brilliant for Team India. When they played together, they took wickets in middle overs, whether it was T20s, ODIs or any format,” he stated.
“I don’t know why they (selectors) break that partnership which was going well for India. It will be great to see them bowling in Australia, where grounds are big and they both are quality bowlers,” he signed off.
