Jammu and Kashmir's pace sensation Umran Malik has been selected as a net bowler for the Indian cricket team during the T20 World Cup, as per an ANI report.
Umran, who made his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), bowled the fastest delivery of IPL 2021 at 152.95 kmph against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and impressed one and all with his raw pace in the three matches he played for the franchise.
"Yes, he will be staying back with the team as net bowler. He was impressive in the IPL and we feel it will be a good idea to have the batsmen face him at the nets. It will also be a good exposure for him to bowl to the quality batsmen like Kohli and Rohit," a source told ANI.
Malik had told Bhuvneshwar Kumar about his journey in a video for iplt20.com, “From the very starting, I used to bowl fast. When I played cricket with Cosco ball, I used to bowl fast then also. We used to play one over matches and I used to run in and bowl fast yorkers. In 2018, U-19 trials came and I was bowling, the selectors saw me. I was bowling with jogger shoes, then my friend gave me spike shoes and I then came into the U-19 team. Then I played Under-23 cricket,”
“In 2018, I was practicing regularly. After Under-23, I played Vijay Hazare and Ranji Trophy. I thank the SRH franchise for giving me an opportunity. Irfan Pathan came and he told me where I can improve. I was scared at first when I had to bowl to Warner and Williamson in the nets. I prayed to God that I just bowl good balls. I kept on learning and this has helped me,” he added.
Indian captain Virat Kohli, who is leading RCB, also praised the youngster for his speeds, as he told Star Sports, “This tournament throws up talent every year, good to see a guy bowling at 150 clicks [on Umran Malik]. It is important to understand the progress of individuals from here on.”
India will play two warm-up games against England and Australia on October 18 and 20, before beginning their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24.
