India’s newest bowling sensation, Umran Malik picked up 22 wickets in 14 games for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 15 but his ability to bowl consistently at 95 miles per hour was the talking point for many. At one stage he recorded 157 KMPH which was later broken by Gujarat Titans’ Lockie Ferguson.
Apart from his pace, which has caught the imaginations of fans who have been clamouring for a national team call-up, Malik’s bowling action has been compared to Pakistan’s great Waqar Younis, with former Australia speedster Brett Lee making the connection.
However, Malik recently clarified that he has never followed Waqar.
“I have not followed Waqar Younis. I have a natural action. My idols include (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami and Bhuvneshwar (Kumar) bhai. I used to follow them when I was playing while coming through the ranks,” Malik said at Indian Express Idea Exchange.
When asked about calls from former players and experts as well as fans, to be fast-tracked to the Indian men’s cricket team, Umran said that he is not carried away.
“There’s no point getting carried away. If it is destined to happen, it will Inshallah. I want to do my best for my country. I have got an opportunity in these five (T20I) matches (against South Africa). My goal will be that we win all five matches, I perform well and single-handedly win those games for India,” said Malik.
