MALIK IN INDIA SQUAD

Death overs specialist Arshdeep Singh has also gets the nod; Hardik, Pujara return

Jammu and Kashmir pace sensation Umran Malik earned an expected call-up in the Indian team for the upcoming fivematch T20 International home series against South Africa starting June 9.

Umran has so far picked up 21 wickets in 13 games for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL but, his ability to bowl consistently at 95 miles per hour has caught imagination of all and sundry.

Along with Umran, Punjab Kings' death overs specialist Arshdeep Singh has also earned his maiden national call-up.

As reported on July 14 by PTI, regular captain Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli, pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami have all been rested for the white-ball series in which Rishabh Pant will be the vice-captain.

Rohit, Kohli, Bumrah will all fly to England on June 15 for the one-off Test against England at Edgbaston from July 1-5 and will be joined by Cheteshwar Pujara, who has earned a recall to the 17-member Indian Test team after a stupendous show in English County Championship for Sussex.

Ditto for all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has successfully led new franchise Gujarat Titans into IPL play-offs and has been consistent with the bat, besides bowling a few overs

at brisk pace.

With the home series to be played from June 9 to 19 and the Indian contingent scheduled to depart for England on June 16-17, some seniors could be made part of a few games against South Africa. Rohit Sharma, the all-formats skipper of India, won't be considered as it is understood that he has sought a break. Another big call will be to pick the captain in Rohit's absence. While Shikhar Dhawan had captained Indian in the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka last year, the selectors' line of thinking has changed regarding the seasoned opener.