Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the just-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL), Umran Malik impressed one and all with his express pace. He consistently bowled over the 150 kmph mark in the cash-rich league.

The 22-year-old featured in all 14 league matches for SRH, claiming 22 wickets at an economy rate of 9.03. For his impressive showing in IPL 2022, the Srinagar lad earned the Emerging Player award and earned his maiden call-up to the senior Indian team for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.

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Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma too took note of Umran’s searing pace in the IPL 15 season, and admitted that he will be wary of the tearaway fast bowler in the five-T20I series, starting June 9 in Delhi.  

“Umran Malik is an exciting pace bowling prospect for the Indian team. IPL has been great for the Indian team as they are able to unearth all these fast bowling options,” Bavuma said while addressing the press ahead of the first T20I.

“I think in South Africa we grow up facing fast bowlers but I don’t think no batter likes to face ball at 150 kmph. But you prepare as well as you can," he added.

“We also got guys who can bowl 150 kmph. So we have that weaponry in our arsenal. But Umran Malik is a special talent for Team India and I hope that he could emulate his IPL performance in international cricket,” he further stated.

KL Rahul will lead the Indian team in this series in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who has been rested along with senior members, including Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami.

However, Bavuma is not taking the hosts lightly in the absence of seasoned campaigners.

“We don’t have the luxury to rest players. India may be resting a few players but the guys who are playing are also in good form and are great players. The important thing is to prepare for the World Cup," Bavuma further said.

(With Times Now inputs)