Umran Malik picked 22 wickets in IPL 2022 for SRH and earned his maiden India call-up.
Umran Malik, a 22-year-old pace bowler from J&K proved to be the breakout star from the IPL 2022 as picked 22 wickets in 14 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and dominated the IPL with his blistering pace throughout the season.
His performance led to Umran receiving his maiden India call-up for the five-match T20I series against South Africa as a result of his steady performances throughout the season.
The speedster began practicing with the Indian team earlier this week, and Malik discussed his IPL 2022 season and the call-up in a video shared by the BCCI on their official social media account.
The speedster recalled receiving his international call-up and said that Sunrisers bowling coach Dale Steyn had foreseen his call-up even before the season began.
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"When I got selected for India, Dale sir (Steyn) was with me in the team bus. We were going for the match. Everyone congratulated me and Dale sir said, “I told you before the IPL that you will get the India call-up after the season'. And that's exactly what happened, by the grace of God. My goal is to give my best for Team India now,” Malik said in the video.
The pacer also discussed his interactions with Rahul Dravid, Team India's head coach, and Paras Mhambrey, Team India's bowling coach.
“I was very happy to meet and talk with Rahul sir. He is such a legend of the game. He just told me to keep continuing what I do. Paras sir was also standing behind me and he was guiding me after every ball. It was giving me a lot of confidence,” said Malik.
Team India will return to play on June 9 in the first T20I of a five-match series against South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.