IPL 2022: He has been improving ever since working with Dale Steyn at SRH – Parthiv Patel on Umran Malik

Former Indian wicket-keeper batter Parthiv Patel reckons Umran Malik has shown improvement in his game ever since he has been working with Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowling coach Dale Steyn.

It is well known that Malik has the extra pace under his arsenal however he has also improved his accuracy in the recent past while playing under the tutelage of the former legendary South African pacer.

Malik’s last three bowling figures read as 2-27 vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 4-28 against Punjab Kings, and 1-13 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Thus, the gun fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir has not only bowled fast but also accurately to get his wickets.

Malik has bowling mostly in the middle overs and he has been breathing down the neck of the opposition batters with his high speed. The 22-year-old youngster is consistently bowling above 145 km/h and this has been his USP.

Parthiv Patel said on Cricbuzz: “I think he is bowling quicker and will bowl the fastest ball, but it will be Ferguson who will have more wickets. He has been improving ever since working with Dale Steyn at SRH, it feels like he is setting up batters now. Earlier, he used to just bowl with raw pace. He is learning how to pick wickets under him. He is in good hands.”

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans will take on each other on Wednesday at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Former Indian pacer RP Singh predicted that Umran Malik will bowl the fastest delivery of the match but backed Lockie Ferguson, who has bowled the fastest ball of the season, to pick more wickets.

“I think he will bowl the fastest delivery of the match, but Ferguson will provide more overall impact because he is an expert in picking wickets.”

On the other hand, Umran Malik has scalped 10 wickets in the seven matches he has played at an average of 21.40. Malik has definitely shown the skills to go a long way in his career and he is expected to get better with more experience. The fast bowler will look to make the most of playing under the tutelage of Dale Steyn and pick his brain in the ongoing IPL.