When an Indian bowler bowls in excess of 150 kmph, he is sure to grab some eyeballs. Umran Malik, the pacer from Jammu is just doing that. The 22-year old has impressed the former Indian coach, Ravi Shastri who said that Malik has the potential to become an Indian player in the future.
"There is no doubting his potential. This guy is an India player," Shastri said on Star Sports.
"He is consistent and I like his attitude. This kid can only learn. This guy has got genuine pace, if he hits the right areas, he is going to trouble a lot of batters. It's about handling him properly. You have got to give him the right messages," Shastri added.
Umran Malik was India's net bowler in the T20 World Cup. He plays for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2022). His spell of 2/37 in 4 overs against Rajasthan Royals impressed everyone. Although he gave away runs at more than 9 an over, he managed to pick Jos Buttler and Devdutt Padikkal. He was retained by SRH for 4 crore rupees alongside Kane Williamson and Abdul Samad.
He also won an award for bowling the fastest delivery in the RR vs SRH match.
Ravi Shastri also urged the selectors to keep a close eye on Malik and communicate properly with him. "I think he has to be around the mix of the Indian cricket team. The selectors have to watch him closely. He can be part of the extended party of the Indian cricket team in these Covid-19 times," said the former India coach.