IPL 2022: If Umran Malik stays fit, he is going to play for India – Ian Bishop

Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop has predicted that Umran Malik is soon going to play for India if he stays fit. Malik has hogged the limelight for bowling quick and he is consistently bowling above 145 km/h in the ongoing Indian Premier League while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The 22-year-old has breathed down the neck of the opposition with his extra pace and he has definitely shown the skills to go a long way in his career. Bishop reckons a bowler can be taught how to bowl accurately but the coach can’t teach him how to bowl fast.

Malik definitely has the pace under his repertoire and if can add accuracy to his arsenal, there is no doubt he will become a deadly bowler in all three forms of the game.

The youngster had scalped 2-27 against KKR and then continued his good form to take 4-28 against Punjab Kings. Malik took three wickets in the final over against Punjab and also bowled a maiden over.

Malik has thus far taken nine wickets in six matches and he has played a key role in SRH’s four wins.

Bishop feels Umran Malik scares the opposition like Jofra Archer and Lockie Ferguson as he has pace under his belt.

“I’ve been excited about this guy since I saw him bowl last year. Genuine pace, you cannot go to a supermarket and buy that. You can train someone to master line and length but can’t teach someone how to bowl fast. He’s bowling with hostility which means even the best of batters will be uncomfortable facing him,” Bishop said on Star Sports.

“He scares you the same way Lockie Ferguson and Jofra Archer do, and Dale Steyn loves him. It’s just fascinating to me what Umran Malik can become. If he stays fit, he’s going to play for India and international cricket. I would also repeat how many Umran Malik’s around this vast nation are yet to be discovered,” the West Indian added.

Malik was awarded the Player of the Match against Punjab Kings and he must have grown in confidence. The youngster is working under the tutelage of his mentor Dale Steyn, who can definitely help him with his bowling.

SRH will play their next game against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Saturday.