There has been a plethora of debate regarding India’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2022. More so given the fact that after star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, their premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah also has been ruled out of the tournament with an injury. Things are going from bad to worse, one of the reserve players, Deepak Chahar has also copped an injury and is all but out of the World Cup as well.

With problems looming, India is left with only a handful of options – which is to either promote the experienced Mohammed Shami to the primary squad or use call-up either speedster Umran Malik or Mohammed Siraj. While Shami is most likely to get the nod, more intrigue has been added with reports of Umran and Siraj traveling to Australia with the Indian team as net bowlers.

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While Umran Malik has been labeled raw and last played for India in Ireland back in June, Mohammed Siraj will be traveling to the T20 World Cup 2022 after being named as the ‘Player of the Series’ worthy performance against South Africa. However, if it comes to selecting between the two, former Australia pacer Brett Lee has put in his vote for Umran, and opined that the 22-year-old should be in India’s World Cup squad.

During a chat with Khaleej Times, Brett Lee said, “Umran Malik is bowling at 150 km per hour. I mean when you have the best car in the world, and you leave it in the garage, then what’s the point of having that car? Umran Malik should have been picked in the Indian squad for the World Cup. Yes, he is young, yes, he is raw, but he bowls at 150 kmph, so get him in the team, get him to Australia where the ball flies through.”

Chances of Umran getting a nod are pretty slim as the fast bowler is reportedly stuck with visa issues. Plus, he has featured in only three T20Is for India, and the fact that he has been rested shows that the team management probably feels he still isn’t ready. With Bumrah injured, which as per Lee is a ‘huge blow’, India requires a fast bowler who can partner Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, and Arshdeep Singh, more so now when the team’s death bowling appears a concern with bowlers bleeding runs.

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Brett Lee explained, “The fact is that Jasprit Bumrah suffered the back injury, it’s huge blow to India’s chances (at the World Cup). I am not saying they can’t do it. They are a wonderful side, but a strong Indian side is the side that has Jasprit Bumrah. That would put pressure on guys like Bhuvneshwar Kumar.”