The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a stage for youngsters to showcase their talent and hog the limelight with their performances. While domestic cricket does have utmost importance, performances in IPL get noticed quickly and there’s a list of players who have gone on to make it to the national team on the basis of their performances in IPL.
Young pacer Umran Malik has been hogging the limelight right since his IPL debut in 2021. His express pacer is a key element in his success and the right-arm pacer is likely to make it to the national team for the home T20I series against South Africa.
BCCI president Sourav Ganguly seems to be impressed by Umran’s pace and has heaped praise on him. Speaking to Mid-Day, the former India captain opined that he wouldn’t be surprised if Umran makes it to the national squad. Ganguly also praised Rajasthan Royals’ pacer, Kuldip Sen.
“How many can bowl at 150 km? Not many. I won’t be surprised if he gets picked for the national team. We have to be careful in using him, though. Umran is the fastest. I also like Kuldip Sen. Also, T Natarajan has made comeback. We will have Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Finally, it is up to the selectors,” he told Mid-Day.
Umran stayed back in UAE after the 2nd phase of IPL 2021 and bowled in Team India’s net during the T20 World Cup 2021. After that, he travelled to South Africa for unofficial Test matches between India A and South Africa A. Umran has 18 wickets in 12 IPL matches and has presented a strong case for selection in the national squad.
As per Cricbuzz, the likes of Tilak Varma and Arshdeep Singh could also be rewarded with a national call-up. Tilak is part of Mumbai Indians while Arshdeep plays for Punjab Kings. Team India is scheduled to host South Africa in five T20Is from June 9 to 19.
