21-year-old Jammu and Kashmir pacer Umran Malik, who was brought in the IPL 2021 by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as a temporary replacement for T Natarajan, grabbed headlines for the searing pace he bowled with on his IPL debut.
Malik after making his debut against the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), was under the spotlight as he clocked 150 kmph in the first over he bowled on his debut.
Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth was extremely impressed by the youngster and saw a great future prospect in the quick.
“Don't forget, Umran Malik of SRH, he is a good pick. That guy can be molded into a fantastic fast bowler. Nitish Rana struggled. Some weaknesses of KKR's batting were exposed,” Srikkanth said during a show on his YouTube channel 'Cheeky Cheeka'.
The Chennai-based cricketer then talked about how Malik’s bowling style reminded the ex-cricketer of the legendary Pakistan quick Waqar Younis.
“He has just played 1 T20 game. See somebody made a very good point during commentary Jasprit Bumrah was picked like this. Today see, where he is. You never know. His run-up, his action everything resembles a bit of Waqar Younis's style,” the former India skipper said.
“He has a very good rhythmic run-up and he is able to bowl at a good pace. The way he was making Nitish Rana dance was amazing,” he added.
As far as Umran Malik is concerned, he made his debut for Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The right-arm quick has played only 2 T20s and one List A match and impressed everyone in his domestic debut by picking up 3 wickets against Railways in Alur.
SRH has had a poor IPL 2021 campaign as they find themselves languishing at the bottom of the points table with only 4 points to their name in 12 matches (2 wins 10 losses).
The Kane Williamson-led side will take on Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Wednesday (6 October) at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
