Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) had an erratic IPL 2022 campaign. However, their inconsistent campaign was almost overshadowed by the emergence of young speedster Umran Malik. One among three players to be retained by the franchise, he ended the 2022 season as the team’s highest wicket-taker with 22 wickets to his name in 14 games.
The most striking element of Malik's bowling is his searing pace, which frequently exceeds 150 kilometers per hour. His IPL success earned him a call-up to India's T20I squad for the recently concluded series against South Africa. He has also been picked for the upcoming T20I tour of Ireland.
Australian fast bowling legend Glenn McGrath has also taken note of Umran's performances and recently praised the youngster.
"Yeah, bowling express pace is something which is quite unique. And it is very special. If you can combine that extreme pace with control and consistency, then you become a very dangerous bowler.
"It is just about getting that experience, once you get to the top, you have to work even harder. As long as his work ethic is good and he looks to improve, who knows where he can go," McGrath told NDTV.
The former pacer, though, believes that it is not the best time for him to play Test cricket.
"There is still time for him. You have to get out there and do the business in first-class cricket as well," McGrath opined.
The current director of the MRF Pace Academy also gave the young speedster some advice.
"You need to be strong so that you can bowl day in and day out, yeah a lot of it is going to depend on him, his work ethic, and how he goes about things. If he can adapt to playing at the higher level and enjoy it, then yeah, looks like he can have a big career," he stated.
(NDTV INPUTS)
