‘The problem is the skill…’ – Former India cricketer points out Umran Malik’s bowling issues

Rohit Sharma’s side is all set to take on the West Indies in the second ODI after winning the opening match by five wickets. Notably, while put to bat first, the home team could only rack up 114 runs on the board before getting all-out. In addition, Indian bowlers displayed tremendous form by scalping quick wickets.

Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket haul earned him the Man of the Match award, while Jadeja picked up three wickets, and debutant Mukesh Kumar, along with Pandya and Shardul, grabbed one each. Umran Malik, however, failed to earn any wickets, whereas the other bowlers grabbed the opportunity with both hands. The 23-year-old bowler bowled three overs while conceding 17 runs.

Indian team needs to know how and when to use him: RP Singh

Speaking on the same subject, former India cricketer turned analyst R.P. Singh feels that Umran Malik’s biggest advantage is his pace, but the young pacer needs to develop some sort of skill to take on batters. The former World Cup winner went on to say that the seamer is conceding a lot of runs, which is the biggest worry, and Indian management should know when to use him in such situations.

“I will still say, his biggest advantage is his pace. The problem is the skill. The (ball) movement isn’t much right now, and planning the game (needs to improve). You also have to set batters up. He hasn’t learnt that as quickly as he should have. He concedes run, that remains the biggest worry. So, the Indian team needs to know how and when to use him,” Singh said on Jio Cinema.

“By the looks of it, he will remain in the loop for the World Cup. And you can’t develop a player by playing him one game and then benching him for two. If they think Umran Malik is one for the future, they have got to show faith in him and polish him,” he added further.