The potential of Umran Malik, according to Aakash Chopra, hasn’t been fully realized since “a box that should have been ticked is not ticked.”

In the inaugural ODI match between India and West Indies, Umran Malik ability, according to Aakash Chopra, was misused. On July 27, the Windies were bowled out for 114 runs in Bridgetown, Barbados, by the Men in Blue, who elected to field first.

In his three overs of bowling, Umran failed to get a wicket and let  up 17 runs. He may have been selected for the Indian ODI World Cup team in 2023, but Chopra believes he could have been used more wisely.

Umran Malik was cited by Chopra as an important box that was left unchecked. Chopra was taken aback by the decision to let Umran go from the team for the Asian Games even though he was part of it for the West Indies tour despite his lackluster IPL results. The former Indian opener highlighted that Umran ought to have been given a further chance to bowl later in the West Indies’ innings.

“Umran Malik – A box that ought to be checked is not checked. Chopra said on his YouTube channel, “You kept this fast bowler, did a bit left-field selection because he wasn’t with the squad for a little period, and his IPL was also very average, but you didn’t keep him in the Asian Games.

After the powerplay overs, the Jammu and Kashmir speedster was brought on but only had three overs to bowl. Ravindra Jadeja bowled well, taking three wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav finished with the best figures of the game, finishing with 4/6 in three overs. The pitch was favorable for spin, and Kuldeep Yadav recorded the best figures of the match.

The upcoming World Cup will be decided by Hardik Pandya’s bowling: Chopra

Hardik Pandya’s role was also covered by Chopra, who said that for a more balanced team at the 2018 World Cup, he should be allowed six to eight overs to bowl. Pandya only bowled three overs in the first ODI, which was supposed to test his bowling stamina. He should have been allowed a longer period of time with the ball, according to the commentator, in order to precisely gauge his fitness and rhythm.

Hardik Pandya ought to throw six to eight overs, it seems. The team’s balance will improve if he is able to do it. Though he barely bowled three over, he was bowling reasonably, said Chopra.