Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has criticized the selectors for omitting tearaway pacer Umran Malik from the India A squad for the South Africa tour. Pathan, expressing his disappointment on social media, questioned why a player who was part of the Indian team’s playing XI a few months ago couldn’t secure a spot in India A.
However, the absence of Malik from the India A squads may be attributed to a left foot injury sustained during Jammu & Kashmir’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023 opener against Karnataka.
In that match in Ahmedabad, Malik conceded 68 runs from eight overs and couldn’t complete his full quota of 10 overs. Additionally, he did not bat after Jammu and Kashmir lost nine wickets in the substantial run chase, ultimately losing the match by 222 runs.
Despite this setback, Malik, who made his limited-overs debut last year, had his last ODI appearance against West Indies in July 2023, conceding 27 runs from three overs in a low-scoring match. In his latest T20I outing, he showcased his prowess by taking two wickets for nine runs from 2.1 overs against New Zealand.
“I’m pretty sure the guy who was in the Indian team’s playing 11 few months back can surely find a place in India A side,” former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan posted.
I’m pretty sure the guy who was in the Indian team’s playing 11 few months back can surely find a place in India A side. #umranmalik
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 30, 2023
