Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
IPL 2021 is almost coming towards an end and the focus is slowly and steadily shifting towards the upcoming T20 World Cup which is also set to take place in UAE. Although the squads of all teams have already been announced, the boards had been given a deadline of October 10 to make any changes in the same. This has resulted in quite a lot of speculations and rumours, especially for Indian team, considering the performances of players in UAE leg of Indian Premier League.
Players like Rahul Chahar and Hardik Pandya, who are a part of 15-man squad, had disappointing campaigns while names like Yuzvendra Chahal and Harshal Patel, who did not find place in the side, have impressed everyone with their performances. This is why fans are eagerly waiting for an official announcement regarding any changes in the roster.
While all the focus will be on the main squad, there is also an additional aspect for all the sides in their bid to prepare for the mega event. All the teams usually have few net bowlers within their set-up who help them get used to prospective match-ups in the game.
Although India do have bowlers like Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar as reserves, it is now believed that the team management has decided to rope in a youngster who can provide an extra dimension during India's training sessions.
Umran Malik could be vital in India's preparation for the mega event
According to an ANI report, SRH sensation Umran Malik has been asked to stay back in UAE as India's net bowler for the 2021 T20 World Cup. The right-arm fast-bowler came into the limelight in the final stages of IPL 2021 where he stunned everyone with his raw pace.
Interestingly, he also went on to bowl the fastest delivery in league stages of the tournament at a phenomenal speed of 152.95 kmph, something which is very rarely seen from an Indian bowler.
Someone like Umran Malik could help Indian batsmen get accustomed to face deliveries at such pace in the nets. As they might have to face bowlers like Lockie Ferguson and Anrich Nortje during the mega event, the SRH youngster could be vital in helping the side getting fully prepared for the challenge.