Umran took 22 wickets in 14 matches in IPL 2022.
Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Umran Malik was one of the best finds of IPL 2022, as he impressed everyone with his sheer pace, hitting upwards of 150 kph consistently while turning out for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
His performance in the IPL 2022 earned him his maiden call-up to the Indian team. He was included in the squad that has been picked for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa.
Although Umran has been impressive in the 15th season of the world’s biggest franchise cricket league, there were matches in which he conceded a lot of runs and couldn't pick a single wicket, since he failed to hit the right spot.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has said that Umran needs to work on his line, and if he succeeds in doing so, the speedster can be a nightmare for the batters.
Speaking to Star Sports, Shastri said, “If he can focus and get the lines right where he attacks the stumps more, then he can be a very awkward customer, especially if there is something in the surface if it is two-paced, it has a bit of juice in it, at that pace he can rattle you, especially newcomers who come into bat.
"There is not too much work to be done. It's just about making him more consistent in what he does, which means his practice sessions in the nets will revolve around line more than anything else. He hits the right areas length-wise but line-wise he sometimes struggles," said Shastri.
Shastri also said that Umran should be included in the playing eleven in the first match of the series.
“If you have picked him, may as well give him an opportunity, see how he goes. I think the best thing is that he is part of the mix. I kept saying he should always be part of the mix and then you can work on him whilst he is there,” said Shastri.
"Glad he is part of the team and he will do his quantity of bowling in the nets and in the middle if he does well, it's just about smelling the coffee at that level. You play for India and you do well in one or two matches and then you are away, especially if you have got the pace," he added.
(Star Sports inputs)