IND vs NZ: Series decider in Napier, Umran Malik stares at final opportunity in Indi's T20 reboot

IND vs NZ: Umran Malik will be hopeful of making a return in India colours as the Men in Blue face off against NewZealand in the final T20I on Tuesday. Malik was called into the side as part of India’s T20 reboot and having missed the previous game, the speedster is likely to be drafted into the XI. The veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar is likely to make way for the Jammu Express. Watch IND vs NZ LIVE Streaming on Prime Video and Follow India vs NewZealand LIVE on Insidesport.IN

Also Read: India Playing XI vs NZ: Rishabh Pant set to retain opening spot, no place for Sanju Samson, Umran Malik likely for series decider, Follow IND vs NZ 3rd T20 LIVE

IND vs NZ: Series decider in Napier, Umran Malik stares at final opportunity as India search ace pacer in T20 reboot, SRH teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar set to make way- Check out

India are in the process of a T20 reboot following a humiliating exit from the t20 World Cup in Australia. One of India’s glaring weaknesses was the absence of a genuine fast bowler, given the likes of Mark Wood, Haris Rauf, Lockie Ferguson, Anrich Nortje and Shaheen Afridi enjoyed a stellar run in the tournament.

India have their genuine quick in Umran Malik, but the 23-year-old is only 9 overs old in international cricket and an uncut diamond as far as the team management are considered. However, now with two years to prepare for the T20 World Cup in 2024, Malik will be viewed as one of the key development pieces in the Indian cricket circuit.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad star was called up to the squad led by Hardik Pandya, who is all set to take over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma. After the 1st t20 was washed out, Umran did not feature in the 2nd game in Mount Maunganui. The IND vs NZ 3rd T20 in Napier is his final opportunity to feature on this tour.

IND vs NZ: Why Umran Malik needs to be backed by India?

Umran Malik is a genuine fast bowler, having bowled in excess of 155kmph during the IPL 2022.
Fast bowlers are a rare breed in Indian cricket, and the 22-year-old would add a different dimension to the bowling attack.
Fast bowlers have enjoyed success in the T20 World Cup, with the likes of Mark Wood, Haris Rauf, Lockie Ferguson and Anrich Nortje all making their mark.
India lack a wicket-taking threat in the middle overs, and Umran could fill in that role, having done so exceedingly well in the IPL. He picked up 22 wickets in 14 games last year.
Exposure to international cricket in bilateral series will help groom him, and he could be an asset to partner alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.

“Umran has the potential. But needs grooming. He was not picked for WC because he was not ready and there was not enough time to prepare him. But now, we have two years to prepare him. He will be in the scheme of things in T20s,” a member of the erstwhile selection committee told Insidepsort.IN

IND vs NZ: Series decider in Napier, Umran Malik stares at final opportunity as India search ace pacer in T20 reboot, SRH teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar set to make way- Check out

Who makes way for Umran? It is likely to be his SRH teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The veteran is India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is but has proved to be ineffective off late outside the powerplay. Furthermore, Bhuvi has been copped for runs on conditions not in his favour, making him a liability despite his rich experience.

The 33-year-old bowled brilliantly in Mount Maunganui, conceding just 12 runs in his three overs, while also dismissing the dangerous Fin Allen off the second ball of the innings. However, with India planning for a reboot, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s skills are well-gauged and noted. Umran is yet to test himself in similar conditions, and it would be prudent to give the young gun game time.