Shastri, Vettori have their say on Umran Malik's T20 World Cup selection for India

The recently concluded Indian Premier League has given us some impeccable young and promising players, be it local or foreign. But one player that stands out in the list would be the Jammu Express, also known as Umran Malik.

Thanks to his wholesome speedy deliveries, he has been an emerging wave in the shortest format. Thanks to his ability to bowl quick pace, he has scalped a commendable 22 wickets in the 2022 edition. 

In addition, he was the Emerging Player of the season. Recently, he got his first national call for the ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa.

He has also been in talks amongst the legendary players, in good or bad ways. Former Indian team head coach Ravi Shastri has given his views on Umran Malik's current performance. 

"No, not T20 as yet. Groom him. Take him along with the team. If anything, let him start playing white-ball cricket, that is 50-over cricket, maybe even red-ball cricket. Groom him in the red ball team and then see how it goes," Shastri told the ESPNCricinfo.

With a young and robust pace attack consisting of Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj, it is evident that the squad is not lacking in terms of quality pace. Indeed, it would be a tough fight for Umran Malik to seal a permanent spot in the squad. 

On those notes, former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori also felt the same and agreed with Shastri's concern. 

"He should be around the Indian team all the time, even if he is not in the squad. Because I think they need to manage him. I don't think he has leapfrogged any of the fast bowlers that are the first choice, but his time will come," said the legendary Kiwi all-rounder.

Notably, on the contrary, India's selection panel has selected the emerging seamer who has been called up for the T20I series against South Africa, which could be seen as a dress rehearsal for the showpiece tournament.