Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra said Umran Malik’s underutilization implies that the pacer is falling behind among Indian pacers for a place in the World Cup squad as well. The Indian team were bowled out for 181 after being asked to bat first in the second ODI against the West Indies in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Saturday, July 29 as well. Umran went wicketless and gave away 27 runs in three overs as well.

While reflecting on India’s bowling in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said: “If I talk about the bowling, Umran Malik again bowled only three overs. He was expensive but bowled only three overs and that too in two spells. He bowled only three overs in the first match. So it seems like they have already made up their mind that Umran Malik has fallen slightly behind in that race.”

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He again shared: “Shardul Thakur is doing himself a huge favor. He picked up three wickets. He dismissed Brandon King in the last match as well. He is doing what he can do. It is most important that you continue doing your job irrespective of what others are doing.”

Aakash Chopra was happy that Hardik Pandya bowled a few more number of overs in the second ODI. However, he was disappointed with only Shardul and Kuldeep Yadav as they could pick up the wickets.

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“The Player of the Match in my opinion is Shai Hope. Of course, it was required to stop India to a manageable score earlier. Then there was a 53-run opening partnership (for the West Indies) and then Shardul Thakur picked up three quick wickets,” Aakash Chopra concluded. “India were right back into the game but then Shai Hope – he is a phenomenal player. In ODI cricket, he is absolutely ruling the game and played a captain’s knock here as well. Shai Hope remained unbeaten till the end. Keacy Carty, who played this match and didn’t play the last one, was there alongside him.”