Umran Malik can be an asset for the Indian team: Nikhil Chopra

Jammu and Kashmir pace sensation Umran Malik has been the latest breakthrough story of the Indian Premier League. Despite playing only just three matches in IPL 2021, his raw pace, control and venomous deliveries were enough to convince Sunrisers Hyderabad to retain him ahead of the IPL 2022 mega-auction.

In the initial few matches of this season, Umran Malik bowled inconsistently and gave away plenty of runs. However, the team management, led by former speedster and one of the greatest to do it, Dale Steyn, backed his abilities heavily and the results are there for all to see.

Against Gujarat Titans, the 22-year-old bowled a fiery spell and ended up picking a jaw-dropping five-wicket-haul that included the prized dismissals of Wriddhiman Saha, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, David Miller, and Abhinav Manohar to wrestle control of the match back in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s hands.

The young gun regularly touches the 150 kmph mark with his fiery deliveries and his 153 kmph delivery that uprooted Wriddhiman Saha’s stumps was one of the moments of SRH’s most recent encounter. He had also picked up a four-wicket-haul against Punjab Kings and has improved immensely since the beginning of the season.

Former Indian cricketers Nikhil Chopra and Wasim Jaffer, while discussing Umran Malik’s form this season, said that the bowler has been the X-factor for the Orange Army this season. He can also prove to be a valuable asset on Australian pitches if he is named in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup.

“It is interesting to watch how this Indian fast bowler is making a name for himself. Until last year, most people didn’t know him, but everyone waits for him over this season. Even though he has played fewer games, he got that X-factor you’re looking for, he has the ability and pace and will be an asset for the Indian team in the World Cup,” said Nikhil Chopra on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket Show.’

On being asked whether he can touch the 160 kmph mark someday, Wasim Jaffer said that the speedster is still young and needs to work on his fitness. However, with time and experience, he will eventually be able to touch that mark.

“He is very young. With a little bit of experience, with a little bit of fitness getting better, and the more time he plays, he can get better [touch 160 mark]. He is still up and growing, and the more he plays, the more confident he becomes and understands his body. He has only played a handful of first-class and IPL games, and I genuinely feel this boy can bowl faster. I think he can be tested in the bilateral series against South Africa,” Jaffer said.