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'Had to go back to our main bowlers. Maybe next game...': Hardik reveals why Umran bowled just 1 over on India debut
Umran Malik's first and only over was the sixth over but he proved expensive, conceding 14 runs in the rain-hit first Twenty20 against Ireland.
The spotlight was on Umran Malik after the IPL sensation got his debut cap for the first Twenty20 against Ireland on Sunday. The 22-year-old fast bowler, known for his ability to touch 150 kph on a regular basis, had a rather nervous start to his international career. Umran's first and only over was the sixth over but he proved expensive, conceding 14 runs against batters Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker. (Also Read | 'Shoaib Akhtar who?': Speedometer shows Bhuvneshwar bowl a 208 kph delivery against Ireland, Twitter left baffled)
Indian fans would have loved to see the Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer bowl one more over in the rain-curtailed series opener. Also, he didn't bowl in the powerplay. Captain Hardik Pandya said he had a chat with Umran about bowling with the older ball, adding that he will try and give more overs to the Jammu paceman in the second game.
“He’s been fantastic for his franchise (Umran Malik). But I felt, also had a chat with him, he’ll be more comfortable with the older ball. Ireland batted fantastically, had to go back to our main bowlers. Maybe next game he’ll have a full chance,” Hardik said at the post-match presentation.
For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar led the bowling mix with 1-16 in his three overs. Yuzvendra Chahal also returned economical figures of 1-11 in his three.
"Very difficult (in these cold conditions). I felt like a finger spinner today (smiles). Sometimes it's hard but you have to adapt to every condition. He (Hardik) gave me liberty to bowl whatever I want to bowl," said Chahal on his bowling display.
Deepak Hooda shone with the bat, hitting 47 runs off 29 balls, while Hardik played a knock of 24 runs off 12 deliveries. Hardik entered the crease and along with Hooda and completely changed the pace of the game. The pair thrashed the Ireland bowlers to all corners and fulfilled the void that got created after the sudden loss of two wickets.
India gathered 78 in seven overs, thanks to the batting pyrotechnics of Hooda and Hardik. In the end, Hooda completed the job with back-to-back boundaries as India reached 111-3 with 16 balls to spare. The second T20 between the sides takes place on Tuesday.
