'Umran shouldn't play at the expense of Shardul Thakur'- Wasim Jaffer

Umran Malik was impressive against Sri Lanka [Source: AP]

On Wednesday, India recorded a narrow 12-run victory over New Zealand in the first ODI to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. 

Batting first, the Men in Blue posted a mammoth 349 on the board and later defended it successfully, riding on a spectacular four-for from Mohammed Siraj. 

In an interesting move, India left out fiery fast bowler Umran Malik from their squad for the first ODI, surprising fans and experts. Shardul Thakur, who replaced Malik in the playing XI, claimed two wickets, including that of the centurion Michael Bracewell. 

Meanwhile, former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer thinks that Malik will be benched in the second ODI as well. 

Jaffer, who represented India in 31 Tests, was impressed with Shardul's bowling in the first ODI and reckoned the Mumbai pacer should retain his place because of his superior batting abilities. 

Here's what Jaffer said

"I don't think Umran Malik will play the second ODI as well. Even if he plays, it will not be in the place of Shardul Thakur. I think the presence of Shardul Thakur is very important, because it is crucial to have a batting option at No.8,

"I think Shardul bowled pretty well in the last match, he took Allen's wicket and bowled that yorker in the end as well. So, he has the ability to take wickets. He might go for runs, but he gets wickets and can score runs as well."

The second ODI between the two teams will be played in Raipur on Saturday, January 21. 

Also Read: IND vs NZ: India penalised for slow over rate in the first ODI