IND vs SA 2022: You need to have that X-factor – Zaheer Khan backs Umran Malik’s inclusion in third T20I

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has put his weight behind Umran Malik to be included in the team’s final XI in the third T20I against South Africa. The Proteas won the second T20I against the hosts by four wickets to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Currently, India is backing Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, and Harshal Patel in their pace battery. As they have lost the first two matches, we might see some changes in the playing XI for the third T20I.

On the other hand, Umran Malik had impressed in the Tata IPL 2022 as he had scalped 22 wickets in 14 matches while playing for SunRisers Hyderabad at an average of 20.18 and an economy rate of 9.01. Thus, he received his maiden call-up to the Indian team for the five-match T20I series against South Africa.

It is well-known that Malik can bowl in excess of 145 km/h and he can trouble the opposition batters with his extra pace. In fact, Malik’s best bowling performance came against eventual champions Gujarat Titans when he returned with impressive figures of 5-25. Malik also accounted for David Miller while bowling from around the wicket.

In a discussion on Cricbuzz, Zaheer Khan opined: “Inclination might be towards Umran for the next match. Extra pace can be handy. We have seen that in the IPL. We have seen Umran get (David) Miller out as well on one occasion with the ball, coming around the wicket and bowling really fast. That’s something which can be a good match-up. You can go for runs as well, but you need to have that X-factor, something different which will, maybe, have that impact.”

Zaheer Khan added that as Vizag stadium is small, India should bring an extra seamer in place of one spinner. Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel conceded 68 runs in the five overs they bowled collectively in the second T20I at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on Sunday.

“A tweak in personnel is going to be required. Maybe due to the small ground, the spinners might be under pressure. We might see a quick bowler coming in. I am expecting that one change purely because the ground is small.”

Meanwhile, India had won 12 consecutive T20I matches before the series against South Africa. However, they have now lost two matches on the trot. Khan feels it is imperative for India to win matches before the T20I World Cup to get the momentum on their side.

“When you are talking about the big World Cup, you want to get into a habit of winning games, no matter who is taking the field. The key players are not part of the series, but you still have a brand of cricket that you have been playing. As a culture in the team, it is very important to protect that. Winning all the remaining games is a good challenge, but it’s not going to be easy.”

The third T20I will be played at Vishakhapatnam on Tuesday.