Umran Malik "Definitely An Exciting Prospect": India Captain Rohit Sharma

Umran Malik's performance in the IPL has impressed India captain Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma had missed the rescheduled fifth Test against England after testing positive for COVID-19, but he has now recovered and hence would be leading the side in the first T20I of the three-match series on Thursday in Southampton. For the first game, the likes of Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah would not be available, but the senior pros would be back from the second game onwards.

Rohit addressed a press conference on Wednesday and he spoke on a variety of topics, including the preparation of the team, the fifth Test which India lost by seven wickets, and "exciting prospect" Umran Malik.

"My recovery from COVID-19 was good, eight-nine days have passed since the time I tested positive for COVID. We have seen that every player who tested positive for COVID-19 responded differently, I do not know what will happen going forward, but right now I am feeling fine. I started training three days back so that is why I decided to play the first T20I game. I do not have any symptoms, all my tests have come back as negative and now I am looking forward to the game," said Rohit.

"It was very hard to watch from the sidelines, it is never easy when you miss games, especially an important game like that where the series was on the line for us. But speaking of symptoms, I was struggling a little bit for a couple of days but I am happy that I am standing back on my feet nice and healthy as I look forward to this T20I series. It is always nice to get back playing and I am excited to be on the field and getting along with the boys," he added.

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