New Delhi, Apr, 27: Not many things can match the joy of watching raw pace intimidating batters on a cricket field. Umran Malik, the young tearaway fast bowler, has been making IPL viewing an even more enjoyable experience with his raw pace that has been sending shivers down the spine of opposition batters.
On Wednesday, a fan at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai flaunted a banner for the young SunRisers Hyderabad pacer during Match 40 of IPL 2022. Umran picked up his maiden 5-wicket haul as he rattled Gujarat Titans batters with raw pace, making the Wankhede crowd jump off its seats in joy.
“I have come to see Umran Malik,” read the banner which caught the attention of the television cameras at the iconic venue in Mumbai. It’s heartening to see the popularity that a young uncapped Indian pacer has been enjoying in the ongoing season of IPL 2022.
The 22-year-old pacer from Srinagar was on fire on Wednesday as he took out poles for fun as SunRisers Hyderabad were defending 195 after being sent into bat. Umran sent back Shubman Gill, rattling the young India opener’s stumps in his first over which came after the powerplay.
Umran welcomed Gujarat Titans pacer, Hardik Pandya, with a fiery bouncer that hit the upper arm and ballooned into the night sky. Hardik was jolted but the all-rounder continued only to get out to the pacer in his next over. This time, Umran got the big wicket of the in-form batter with a sharp bouncer.
Umran made legendary batter and on-air commentator, Sunil Gavaskar, jump off his seats and scream in delight when he sent back a well-set Wriddhiman Saha who was batting on 68 from just 37 deliveires. Umran sent in another searing yorker, rattling the leg-stump to peg back Gujarat’s chase once again.
The young pacer picked up his maiden 5-wicket haul after taking out David Miller and Abhinav Manohar in his final over.
SunRisers Hyderabad bowling coach Dale Steyn, who has been hugely appreciative of the young pacer’s efforts, was brimming with joy and pride as he saw the pace rattle the stumps.
Umran, who has been consistently hitting a pace of more than 150 kph, spoke about the experience of working with Dale Steyn at SunRisers Hyderabad who retained him ahead of the IPL 2022 season.
“I try to work plans for different batsmen, whether it’s slower balls, yorkers or bouncers. Rest is upto God how the plans work or not. The advice (from Steyn) is to have plans and to execute them well. It’s an honour to work with a legend like him,” Malik was quoted as saying.
