'Agreed, Umran did well in IPL but…': Former BCCI selector explains why Dravid benched India pacer for SA series

A former BCCI chief explained why Rahul Dravid did not give Umran Malik a game in the India vs South Africa T20I series.

After pacer Umran Malik became a sensation claiming 22 wickets in the IPL 2022, many felt that it was only a matter of time before he would break into the Indian team. And once his name was included in India's squad for the five-match series against South Africa, Umran was one step closer to realising his dream. However, as is turned out, Umran was made to wait as he was benched for all five T20Is, with pacers Avesh Khan and Harshal Patel getting the not ahead of him.

Umran Malik and Rahul Dravid in the nets during India vs South Africa series. (PTI)

India head coach Rahul Dravid had made it clear ahead of the series itself that he will give players a longer run, indicating that the days of frequent chopping and changing were over. India played the same XI in all five T20Is, a testament to Dravid's faith in the ability of all players. As for Umran, former BCCI selector MSK Prasad feels that although the 22-year-old pacer had a phenomenal IPL, he will have to wait before receiving his India cap.

"There's lot of talk, but who is playing in place of Umran? Avesh Khan… Someone who has played earlier for the country and done well. So Dravid has done the right thing by opting for continuity. Avesh has bowled well in all stages of the game. Even Harshal Patel has been in good form. I don't see anything wrong in holding him back. Agreed, Umran has done well in the IPL. But he has to wait and his chance will come... Everyone should get a fair run and Dravid has been doing the right thing," Prasad told The Telegraph.