Jammu and Kashmir pacer Umran Malik on Sunday (5th June) opened up on his comparison with Waqar Younis. He also talked about his aim for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa.
Malik’s ability to bowl 150 kmph consistently impressed one and all. The right-arm pacer bowled the second fastest delivery of the season 157 kph after Lockie Ferguson (157.3 kph), who surpassed him in the final.
Not only did Malik impress many with his pace, but he also was the strike bowler for his team and took 22 wickets in the tournament, the fourth-highest in this season. He also was awarded emerging Player of the Season.
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Malik’s bowling action also saw him getting compared to Younis as many fans and pundits including former Australian pacer Brett Lee said that the pacer reminds him of the Pakistan legend.
Speaking at Indian Express Idea Exchange, Malik opened up about his comparison with Younis. He said that he has not followed Pakistani legend and his idols are Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who he used to follow since he started playing.
“I have not followed Waqar Younis. I have a natural action. My idols include (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammad) Shami, and Bhuvneshwar (Kumar) bhai. I used to follow them when I was playing while coming through the ranks,” Umran Malik said.
Following Malik’s heroics in the IPL, he was awarded a maiden call-up in the national side for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, which will begin on 9th June.
Malik said that he wants to do his best for his country and his only aim is to win India all the matches in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.
“There’s no point getting carried away. If it is destined to happen, it will Inshallah. I want to do my best for my country. I have got an opportunity in these five (T20I) matches (against South Africa). My goal will be that we win all five matches, I perform well and single-handedly win those games for India,” he said.
Malik also talked about his life after IPL. He said that although he’s busier now, he has not missed his training and practice.
“Firstly, I am really grateful for all the love and respect that I have been getting from all over India. Relatives and other people keep coming home, it feels very good. I have been a bit busy after the IPL, but have not missed training and practice,” he said.
Malik will be under keen observation in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, considering the T20 World Cup 2022, which is slated to take place in Australia later this year.
(Indian Express inputs)
