The Jammu Speed Gun, Umran Malik has been called up to India’s national team for the upcoming T20 series against South Africa. He was chosen as one of the National team’s pacers.
Umran has been called to the national team after his outstanding performances in the IPL this season. Malik appeared in 14 games and grabbed 22 wickets. He received the award for fastest delivery of the match in every game he played. The opposition batters have had sleepless nights due to Umran’s lethal fast bowling. His IPL side, Sunrisers Hyderabad, didn’t make it into the playoffs, but that didn’t bother him because he gave his all for SRH and achieved the ultimate prize by being selected for the national team.
Umran’s selection for the national team made news all over India. Umran’s family and friends are happy for him. When his father, Rashid, a fruit vendor on the streets of Jammu, heard the news, he was overjoyed. This happy news made Rashid forget about all of his hard work over the years. Rashid addressed the reporters with a touch of blur and blush.
“People were lining up in large numbers to congratulate me. I just found out about the news on the internet. What could be more exciting than wearing the national colours? We can only be glad that he has made all of us proud with his performances in the IPL and the way the entire country rallied behind him, we as a family can only be thankful.”
Rashid gave full credit to his son for his dedication and determination towards the game.
“Umran was confident in his ability to succeed one day. He believed in his skills and worked hard to develop them. It is entirely his success, as well as the gifts of the Almighty. He worked hard and was helped by God. I am not deserving of credit for his efforts.”
Rashid stated that he wants his son to excel in national colours for a long time and tells him to preserve his place in the team.
“Now I want him to strive even harder for the country and perform very well. He needs to focus on playing for India for a long time.”
Speaking about Urman’s upbringing and his desire to pursue a career in cricket, which, unlike education, has no job guarantee.
“He is our only son (we have two daughters), therefore my wife and I have always lavish him with affection and indulgence. We never had any concerns that playing cricket may be dangerous. We have always kept Umran happy and never made him aware of the difficulties he may face. He got everything he asked for. My wife, more than I, is his ardent supporter. Now we simply want him to bring honour to the country through his performances. Nothing else is important to us.”
India to play South Africa in five T20 matches from 9th June to 19 June. Senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah were rested for this series. Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Sigh also named in the squad along with the rookie Umran Malik.
Take a look at the squad
T20I Squad – KL Rahul (Capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(VC) (wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer, Y Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, R Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik
