“Finally time to unleash the Jammu Express” - Twitterati react as Umran Malik is handed ODI debut in Auckland

Young Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Umran Malik has been handed his much-awaited ODI debut in the first match between India and New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, November 25.

The Kiwis won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening ODI of the three-match series. Speaking after losing the toss, Team India captain Shikhar Dhawan confirmed that the Men in Blue have two ODI debutants – right-arm fast bowler Umran and left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh.

Umran has played three T20Is for India so far in which he has claimed two wickets at an average of 56 and an economy rate of 12.44. Arshdeep, on the other hand, has made an excellent start to his T20I career. In 21 matches, he has claimed 33 wickets at an average of 18.12 and an economy rate of 8.17.

While most Indian fans expected Arshdeep to make his ODI debut, they were happy that Umran also got a chance. Quite a few of them wanted to see the rookie pacer in the T20Is as well, but he was benched.

Even as most Indian cricket fans were pleased with Umran being given his ODI debut, a few did question the team selection. Here’s a look at how Twitterati reacted to India’s decision to give the 23-year-old pacer his ODI debut.

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Former India stumper wants to see Umran Malik being unleashed

Opinions have been divided on whether or not Umran should be playing more games for India. However, former keeper-batter Saba Karim wants the youngster to be given opportunities due to his raw pace. He told India News:

“If we have a bowler who can bowl at 150 kph, why are we benching him? Look at England, they are waiting for Jofra Archer to come back. They have constantly played Mark Wood because he bowls at 150 plus.

"Other teams are blessed with multiple options. We only have Malik. Imagine if we have Bumrah, Umran and Arshdeep. We will have experience, pace and swing in the same attack.”

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IND vs NZ - Today's match playing XIs

India: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (w), Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (c), Tom Latham (w), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson.