The Indian team also boasts of two emerging bowlers, Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik, who have been exceptional for their IPL franchises this year. The former has been one of Punjab Kings’ leading pacers, specially picking wickets at regular intervals in the death overs. In 36 IPL matches, Arshdeep has picked up 40 wickets at an economy rate of 8.42, with one five-wicket haul to his name. Jammu and Kashmir’s Umran has breathed fire, clocking 150 kmph consistently.
Speaking exclusively on STAR SPORTS show FOLLOW THE BLUES, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan is delighted to see Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik in the squad, “Absolutely thrilled to see these two guys getting the India call-up. Arshdeep Singh has been bowling well for a long time now. Of course, a left-arm bowler gives you a different angle, but the way he has bowled in the death has impressed me the most.
“Umran Malik – Wow – you know, he’s bowled consistently at 150km. I’m impressed with him. The whole world is excited, not just India because there aren’t many who can bowl consistently 150km in the world. So in that way, he has got potential. He is inexperienced as far as his first-class cricket is concerned. But I think this team management, Rahul Dravid, and all the coaches will back him.”