'What's the point of having the best car.?' - Brett Lee questions Umran Malik's exclusion from India's 20-20 World Cup squad

Brett Lee, Umran Malik (Image Source: Twitter)

Umran Malik, India’s latest sensation, isn't part of India's squad for the 20-20 World Cup 2022. The pacer from Jammu and Kashmir made his debut for India during the Ireland tour in June and played his last T20I against England in July.

However, post that, the pacer faded out of the radar and since then, he has failed to make an impression. Malik, who was designated as the net bowler for the 20-20 World Cup 2022, did not travel to the country after facing visa issues. Brett Lee, the former Australian pacer, said that he should have been a part of the Indian squad for the showpiece event.

Reasonably, Malik is one of the very few bowlers in India who can clock more than 150 Km/h on a consistent basis. Lee called Malik as the best car and said that India are keeping that in the garage rather than taking that on the road.

“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?” the former Australian said in the Khaleej Times.

Albeit Lee admitted that Malik was young and raw and that he could have made a difference for India on bouncy Australian tracks.

“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. It's different when you have a guy bowling at 140 kmph and a guy who is bowling at 150 kmph,” said the former pacer further.

A strong side is a side that has Jasprit Bumrah: Lee

The 45-year-old emphasized Jasprit Bumrah’s talent and added that it might come to haunt India in the showpiece event. Lee said that his absence would put pressure on Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

“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,” Lee said further.