'Let the people say what they want to' - Umran Malik on receiving criticism for leaking runs

Umran Malik, a pacer for Team India, addressed the questions about the economy that come with his high speed. In his first few months as an Indian player, the right-arm pacer took a lot of wickets, but he also gave up a lot of runs.

He has played in seven ODIs so far and taken 12 wickets, never-ending a match without picking up a wicket. However, given the demands of the team, his economy of 6.31 is a little high. The extra pace has frequently been used to advantage by opposition batters, but they have also been defeated by it.

Let the people say what they want to: Umran Malik

Umran Malik emerges as an attacking option, which India wants to dominate, bowling the majority of the overs in the middle overs while spin bowling handles the other end. By virtue of his speed, Malik admitted that runs will inevitably be given away, but he ignores the doubters and strives to take wickets for his team in the middle overs.

"You have to be physically and mentally strong to bowl fast consistently. I am bowling fast in the middle overs and getting wickets for my team. I will concede runs when I bowl at my pace, so let the people say what they want to, I only want to bowl well with good rhythm and work hard, whenever I am with the team. We will continue to stick with our plans," he told the broadcasters in a pre-match interview ahead of the third ODI against Sri Lanka.

"You have to be physically and mentally strong to bowl fast consistently. I am bowling fast in the middle overs and getting wickets for my team. I will concede runs when I bowl at my pace, so let the people say what they want to, I only want to bowl well with good rhythm and work hard, whenever I am with the team. We will continue to stick with our plans."

"It is a proud feeling"

Malik described his time with the Indian team by saying: "I started with the IPL, since then I have been associated with the Indian team, so it is a proud feeling for me because playing for India was my dream. I have been doing well so far and I will continue to do well, whenever I get the opportunity."

Umran Malik has been rested for the final One-Day International against Sri Lanka at Thiruvananthapuram's Greenfield Stadium. Hardik Pandya, like the pacer, has been rested. India already holds a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.