Umran Malik has taken the entire cricket fraternity by storm with his exceptional bowling in the IPL 2022. Playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he has taken 21 wickets in thirteen outings so far and is a strong contender for the purple cap.
Former Sri Lankan pace bowler Chaminda Vaas believes Malik, who has impressed everyone with his raw pace, clocking more than 150 kmph in almost every match, in the ongoing season, would develop into a "great bowler" for India.
"I think he (Umran) is getting better day by day and I saw him playing in the last IPL as well. He is bowling consistently and accuracy is important when it comes to T20. And he will be a great bowler for India. He will be there with (Jasprit) Bumrah, I guess if India gives him a chance. He will go a long way," Vaas told reporters in Mumbai.
The former left-arm seamer is in town to coach children from the 'Mumbai Cricket Club,' which is managed by coach Jwala Singh.
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Young pacers like Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Choudhary, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Umran have impressed critics with their IPL performances, but the Sri Lankan great believes that India's excellent first-class establishment should be praised for "producing" so many pacers.
"India has a good first-class structure and most of the first-class clubs are producing a lot of (good) cricketers and India cricket has a plan going forward. So that is why they are able to produce so many fast bowlers, cricketers," he said.
The 48-year-old was also pleased with the rise of Sri Lankan players such as Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa among others, who he believes would open the way for the island's younger cricketers.
"Well, I am so glad that in this IPL, most of the Sri Lankan got opportunities and they believe in themselves that they can (play) a bigger role in the IPL. And the best example is Wanindu (Hasaranga).”
"Wanindu is a star and he has always performed well in the Sri Lanka team but here (in the IPL) he is doing amazing. Not only him but others are doing (playing) their part (well) and it is good for the future players of Sri Lanka to come and play in the IPL. It is a morale-booster for the youngsters," he stated.
"Dushmantha has come a long way. I was working with the national set-up for eight months and he has improved a lot. I am already pleased with his performance and he will be a future star," the former cricketer added.
The former left-arm seamer believes Matheesha Pathirana, who made a terrific start for Chennai Super Kings, has a bright future.
"Yes, when I was the U19 coach, he (Matheesha) came from that group and I have seen his potential. He is bowling like Lasith Malinga and he has a brilliant future.”
"With his action, he might get injuries but he has to look after himself, and Sri Lanka cricket (also needs to) take care of him," he added.
The former cricketer also thanked India for helping Sri Lanka, which is facing an economic crisis.
"Actually I am not in politics, but this (current) issue is a bigger mess in Sri Lanka. I was glad that the Indian government has helped us to come (out) this situation in a better way," he concluded.
Chaminda bagged 355 wickets in 111 tests and 400 wickets in 322 ODIs for his country throughout his illustrious career. Between 2008 and 2010, he appeared in 13 IPL matches and took 18 wickets.
(PTI INPUTS)
