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Brett Lee-Rohit Sharma (source: Twitter)
With Jasprit Bumrah out with an injury, there has been a lot of speculation about the Indian squad for the 20-20 World Cup. While no replacement has been named, a few players have emerged as viable options given the playing conditions in Australia. Mohammed Shami is the frontrunner to make the cut for the mega event.
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In the meantime, former Australian pacer, Brett Lee, believes that young pace sensation, Umran Malik, should be India's squad. He even went on to call him the best bowler in the world. Since his brilliance in the Indian T20 League 2022, the 22-year-old has been a hot topic of discussion.
"Umran Malik is bowling at 150 km per hour. I mean when you have the best car in the world, and you leave it in the garage, then what's the point of having that car? Umran Malik should have been picked in the Indian squad for the World Cup," Lee told Khaleej Times.
"Yes, he is young, yes, he is raw, but he bowls at 150 kmph, so get him in the team, get him to Australia where the ball flies through. It's different when you have a guy bowling at 140 kmph and a guy who is bowling at 150 kmph," he added.
Umran's chances of playing appear slim, as the fast bowler is reportedly hampered by visa issues. Furthermore, he has only played three T20Is for India, and the fact that he has been rested indicates that the team management believes he is still not ready.
It's a huge blow to India's chances: Brett Lee on Jasprit Bumrah
With Bumrah out, which Lee describes as a "huge blow," India needs a pacer to partner Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, and Arshdeep Singh, especially now that the team's death bowling appears to be an issue, with bowlers leaking runs.
"The fact is that Jasprit Bumrah suffered the back injury, it's a huge blow to India's chances (at the World Cup). I am not saying they can't do it. They are a wonderful side, but a strong Indian side is the side that has Jasprit Bumrah. That would put pressure on guys like Bhuvneshwar Kumar," Lee added.