Umran Malik, latest pace sensation from India, made headlines in the recently-concluded IPL 2022, in which he picked up 22 wickets for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The bowler from Jammu & Kashmir bowled in the range of 150kmph, which includes the second-fastest delivery of the season - 157kmph. These impressive performances helped him find a place in India’s squad for the series against South Africa.
There were reports that Umran is a fan of former Pakistan pacer Umran Malik. But the youngster has put those rumours to rest by clarifying that his bowling idols are Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
“I have not followed Waqar Younis. I have a natural action. My idols include (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami and Bhuvneshwar (Kumar) bhai. I used to follow them when I was playing while coming through the ranks,” Umran told The Indian Express.
He also said that he hasn’t got carried away after being named in the national squad and just wants to win all the five T20Is.
"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 matches. My goal will be that we win all five matches, I perform well and single-handedly win those games for India.”
So far, the pacer has played three first-class matches, picking seven wickets. In T20s, he has 33 wickets from 22 games.
Image credit: BCCI
