Former batter Wasim Jaffer said that Umran Malik is one bowler he’s keen to look at in the 2022-23 edition of the Ranji Trophy. Having mostly made a name for himself in limited-overs cricket, especially T20s, Malik doesn’t have a whole lot of experience in red-ball cricket.
In six first-class matches, Malik has picked up 11 wickets at an economy rate of 4.60. He last played for the Rest of India in the Irani Cup match against Saurashtra back in October. Jaffer also mentioned that Malik is more suited to playing in Tests and ODIs.
“Among the bowlers, I am very keen to look at how Umran Malik does for Jammu and Kashmir, how he plays the four-day format. I feel that he is better suited for Test and ODI cricket because he can bowl at pace and hit lengths consistently,” Jaffer was quoted as saying to ESPNcricinfo.
“I would probably be looking at Sarfaraz Khan because he has been prolific in the first two seasons, literally getting close to 1000 runs. I am keen to see how he approaches this season since he is yet to be picked to play for India, which I thought he will,” Jaffer said.
“I will also be keeping an eye on how Yashasvi Jaiswal does as he had a prolific run as well in all the other formats. After that, probably Shaikh Rasheed as I have heard good things about him and even Yash Dhull, who has been impressive and scoring runs in all the other formats. Even though he got out in the India A games, Dhull looks an impressive player,” he stated.
Moreover, Jaffer said that India could consider picking left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav for India’s home series against Australia next year.
“I’m also looking forward to watching Kuldeep Yadav as Australia is coming to tour India and I feel he needs to be looked at, but again, he needs to play and do well for UP in the first-class game,” Jaffer added.
