Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh received their first call-ups to Team India as BCCI rested various big names for the ongoing five-game T20I series against South Africa. Judging by the kind of IPL season of the two young leaders, netizens were delighted to see them don the famous blue jersey.
However, neither Umran nor Arshdeep were able to make their debut as Rishabh Pant stuck to the same group of players for all five games, not experimenting too much.
Meanwhile, as India lined up for the all-important fifth and final T20I of the series, netizens sympathized with Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh warming up the bench for the entire series.
READ| IND vs SA 5th T20I: Why is Keshav Maharaj leading South Africa instead of Temba Bavuma?
Umran Malik’s IPL 2022 season breakthrough with Sunrisers Hyderabad saw him consistently hit over 150 clicks which excited fans everywhere, and secondly Arshdeep’s consistency with line and length , combined with its economical bowling was also one of the bright spots of IPL’s 15th. editing.
While some fans said Umran and Arshdeep could have been the x factor for India, others felt they could make their debut against Ireland.
Here are some of the best reactions:
5 series t20i and still no room for Umran and Arshdeep.#INDvsSA#UmranMalik #CricketTwitter— You suck (@PNihichalani) June 19, 2022
IPL finds new talent to keep them on the bench for the entire series.#UmranMalik #arshdeepsingh#INDvSA
— jäÿësh (@jayeshluv) June 19, 2022
Umran Malik ko Ghumi Ghumi karne ke liye squad kya mai?#INDvSA— Vinamra Parashar (@PoliteParashar) June 19, 2022
I feel sad for Umran and Arshdeep. Got a call in a 5 Series T20I and yet had to warm up the bench all the way. I don’t know when they will debut, but hopefully soon! – Getting a call-up isn’t just about playing in the XI. #INDvsSA #RishabhPant #UmranMalik #arshdeep—Shivam Singh (@ShivamS55114202) June 19, 2022
England’s current form… India should have to play a surprise player who can change the game…
Umran Malik should be that ace…
Fast and Furious — @Imvinodsharma (@Vks80417026) June 19, 2022
So you wanna drop Umran Malik against like Ireland… oh wow what a start #INDvSA #INDvsSA— Rakshitha (@MarinaSyren) June 19, 2022
READ| IND vs SA 5th T20I: ‘Typical Bengaluru scenario’ – Netizens upset as rain interrupts play
Meanwhile, speaking of the match, due to a rain delay, the match was reduced to 19 overs per team. Ishan Kishan started well and hit two big shots in the first over himself but his brave round was cut short by Lungi Ngidi who also got the better of Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Kishan scored 15 from 7, while Gaikwad hit 10 from 12, as India were reduced to 28/2 as another rain delay halted play after just 21 balls were thrown .
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