Umran Malik couldn't make it to India's final XI in the first ODI against New Zealand as skipper Rohit Sharma picked Shardul Thakur over tearaway pacer. On the eve of second ODI against Black Caps, India's bowling coach Paras Mhambrey revealed Umran's prospects and chances of playing the upcoming ODI World Cup which will be held in India later this year.
Mhambrey thinks Shardul adds depth to Indian batting but the speed express Umran remains very much in the scheme of things for the ODI World Cup 2023. However, he also said both the bowlers add value to the team but in different ways.
“That (batting) is one of the reasons why we picked him (Thakur). He adds depth to the batting. We will have to see the surface and decide the combination accordingly. He has performed well for India,” Mhambrey said on Friday (January 20).
On Malik's chances of playing the ODI World Cup, Mhambrey said, "The way he has progressed, it is very heartening to see. Pace does matter and adds a different dimension to the attack. The decision of playing him will depend on surface and requirement of the team combination. He is very much in the scheme of things as far as world cup is concerned. He adds a lot of value to the team."
He also talked up India's plan for the all-important marquee event which will be played between October and November this year.
“Planning is looking at the Word Cup ahead. Every game from here now is important. The preparation is heading in that direction. We were challenged in the last game and that is good. Hoping for a good game in Raipur,” he said.
Excerpts from the pre-match press conference…
Playing 11 and team composition
“Shardul adds depth in the batting. Looking at the surface, we will determine our composition”.
Defending a problem?
“When we play international cricket, the opposition will test you. I do not agree that we cannot defend. There will be games when the surface is good for batting. They will also score runs. The game that we won, we learnt a lot. We will implement certain things.”
Team without Jasprit Bumrah
“Bumrah is a unique bowler. He is irreplaceable. It will be difficult to replicate his skills. He is a true match-winner. His absence gives an opportunity for the other players to test their skills. They will be tested at different situations and stages. How he bowls in different situations will be the key. We have one-on-one discussions with the players. Individually, we have a conversation with the players as to how they can improve.”
Fitness and early start
“Everyone is fit. Ashwin raised a valid point. Dew does play a part in some venues. Depends on the year, venue and what time you are playing. When the ball gets old, it tilts towards the batting side. That is the call of the ICC and the BCCI with the consultation of the other boards. Both teams play on a level playing front.”
On Mohammed Siraj
“Extremely happy with the way Siraj has bowled. He did exceedingly well for India A. It is good to see how he has transformed those skills in white ball. Siraj has worked a lot on his seam position and action. The way he has progressed is very happy. Even Rohit Sharma is happy with his progress. He is a very important member for the World Cup.”
On Raipur ground and wicket
“As a team, we have covered all aspects. We have seamers and spinners. We have options for the combination. The hospitality in Chhattisgarh has been fantastic. This is a very good stadium in Raipur.”
NZ bouncing back - Conditions?
“When you score 350, you expect the opposition to come hard. They lost six wickets. NZ bat deep and it was a matter of one partnership. Mitchell Santner is a handy bat. You will be tested whatever the margin. We expected New Zealand to fight. As a bowling unit, we learned from the previous game. The process is to learn from the previous game and implement it.”
On right team composition and Shubman Gill
“When it comes to position, you can ask this to Rohit and Dravid. Within the scheme of things, the way he has performed, he has shown his class. In the last two innings, the way he has performed it has been great. As far as experimentation is concerned, we are not looking at it. We are not looking to make many changes. We have to look at all the players who have been shortlisted in the set-up. We will not go by excess experimentation. By the time the end of two series, you will know what is the team combination of 15. We are going smoothly in that direction.”
