‘It’s great that he didn’t play T20 World Cup, the kid is in learning phase’ - Umran Malik’s father after speedster’s ODI debut

There were many heated arguments and debates on live television and social media when Umran Malik was not included in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia.

Former India internationals like Harbhajan Singh and Dilip Vengsarkar among many others expressed their disappointment on the decision but to everyone's surprise, Abdul Rashid, Umran’s father believes that it’s great that the team management didn’t rush him as he still is in the learning phase.

Despite delivering an impressive performance in the latest edition of the Indian Premier League, Malik had to wait for quite some time to represent India in ODI cricket. However, when he got the opportunity against New Zealand in the first ODI of the ongoing series, Malik grabbed it and picked up two crucial wickets with the new ball. 

The speedster dismissed Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell with sheer pace and gave away 66 runs in his ten overs. Abdul, who was glued to the TV screen in Jammu during the game seemed mighty pleased with his son’s performance.

Rashid also revealed how unfazed he was when India announced their squad for the T20 World Cup. Defending the selectors, he said that the experienced players were doing well and thus, Umran failed to make the cut.

“People were saying that he couldn’t get selected for the World Cup. We think it is great that he didn’t make it. Things happen when they are meant to.

You don’t need to rush behind anything. The kid is in the learning phase. He shares the dressing room with the experienced ones. He’ll go there and learn from them. You need not hurry. The big players who are already there, they are doing pretty well while others get the opportunity after being noticed,” said Rashid after India’s seven-wicket loss to New Zealand in the first ODI.

We felt great that Umran and Sanju Samson played today: Abdul Rashid

Despite losing the match, Rashid was delighted to see Umran Malik and Sanju Samson finally playing for the national team. He is aware of the popularity the two cricketers have gained on social media and also said that he’s hopeful that India will get a win in the second ODI.

“It was important for him (Umran Malik) to play the ODIs and he made a decent debut. The almighty backed him so did the entire nation. People were talking about getting Umran and Sanju Samson in the team. It happened today and we felt great,” he added.

“Our kid is playing for the country. What else could we ask for? The entire world is watching him. It was his debut and we are happy for him. India should’ve won the game but no worries, we will win the next one,” he concluded.