Umran Malik should replace Bumrah: Aaqib Javed
Umran in conversation with Bumrah. (PC- Twitter)
Former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed reckons that Umran Malik should replace injured Jasprit Bumrah in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022
Team India faced a huge setback ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022 on Thursday (September 29) as it was reported that their premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the showpiece event due to a stress fracture. Furthermore, he is expected to be out of action for the next few months.
The 28-year-old complained of back pain ahead of the first T20I of the ongoing three-match series against South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. In this regard, Bumrah travelled to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to undergo scans, and the results are still awaited.
If Bumrah misses out on playing the marquee tournament then according to Aaqib Javed, Umran is the ideal replacement for him. The ex-Pakistan cricketer said that India committed a mistake by not picking the express pace bowling option of Umran Malik in their original World Cup squad.
“In T20s, your bad ball can also become a good delivery. It all depends on reaction time. When you are trying to hit out, you have chances to take a wicket. You won't see many effective swing bowlers in the shortest format. Most top bowlers in T20s have pace. India did make a mistake, but if they are brave enough, they can still bring Umran in place of Bumrah,”
Aaqib explained why India needs someone like Umran Malik in their bowling ranks.
“After the last IPL, I think India did make a mistake. Umran Malik was aggressive and he has pace. Yes, you might want to wait for batsmen to play out two seasons before bringing him to the team, even with spinners. But when it comes to fast bowlers, you don't have to be scared. You have to bring him to the team straightaway."
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
