He was clocking well over 150 kph consistently in IPL 2021.
Ahead of the upcoming 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2022), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pace sensation Umran Malik has recalled his meeting with India’s batting legend and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter, Virat Kohli, in the last season.
Malik rose to fame after clocking 150 kmph in his IPL 2021 debut. Following his impactful debut in the IPL 2021, the young fast-bowler was retained by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) alongside Kane Williamson and Abdul Samad ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction.
In an exclusive interview with India.com, Umran Malik recalled Kohli’s advice that could help him get into the Indian cricket team. The youngster further revealed that the former RCB skipper told him to work hard on his fitness and game and that his time would come if he kept working hard.
Recalling special interaction, Malik said: “Virat Kohli spoke to me and told me to work on my bowling and improve my fitness. He told me to work hard and once I do that, the India cap is not too far away. He said I will get my chance when the time comes.”
He has now become a household name in India, thanks to his sheer pace and the pacer also admitted that his stint with the SRH in the IPL has changed his life.
The 22-year-old added, “My stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has changed my life in a way. I was in the squad for SRH and then started playing for them in the IPL. I feel proud when people recognize me and my hard work, credit to the IPL and SRH. I didn’t expect SRH to retain me but I am thankful to the franchise for having faith in me.”
Malik signed off by revealing his future goals, “My next goal is to play the IPL and then get into the Indian team and play the World Cup. I am working on my bowling, especially the slower ones and the yorker. I had seen a lot of cricket while growing up and have watched Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami. I can say I have learned a lot from them by just watching them play.”
(With India.com Inputs)