Umran Malik should be groomed through a systematic process, not rushed into national team: MSK Prasad

India’s former chief selector MSK Prasad opined that Umran Malik’s selection to the Indian team should not be rushed. He believes that the Sunrisers Hyderabad speedster should be given exposure to A games and domestic cricket before roping him into the Indian national team. Prasad is of the opinion that Malik will learn a lot at the beginners’ level, and he maybe discouraged if he does not achieve success at the higher level.

Since Malik hasn’t received much exposure, Prasad believes that a complete season of domestic cricket followed by a couple of A tours will enable the young pacer to prepare for the international setup. He cited the example of Mohammad Siraj, stating that he went through a similar process before making his way into the senior team.

“I feel Umran Malik should be groomed through a systematic process rather than fast-tracking into the Indian team. I know that clicking 150 kph-plus is never easy. But if you pick him for international duty and if he doesn’t do well, he will be dejected and will be nowhere. So, a full season of domestic cricket and a couple of India A tours will help him to develop into a good bowler similar to Mohammed Siraj,” Prasad told The Federal.

Umran Malik will serve Indian cricket for a longer period if groomed through a process: MSK Prasad

Former cricketers and veterans of the game had earlier said that Malik should be made a part of the national side after the conclusion of the IPL 2022, after seeing his ability to consistently clock above 150kph. The 22-year-old recently bowled the second fastest ball in the history of IPL, thereby breaking his personal best record this season. Prasad explained in detail how Siraj transformed his game in the domestic setup and how a similar technique will work for Malik.

“Siraj bowled very well in his first full Test tour to Australia. He could do that because he had gained the experience of red-ball cricket by picking close to 50 wickets for India A. I know that very few people have that ability (to bowl 150 kph-plus). By grooming him through a process, there are chances that he will serve Indian cricket for a longer period. At the moment, I am really enjoying watching him. Credit should be given to the Sunrisers Hyderabad team management because they backed him,” Prasad added.