IPL 2021: Pacer Umran Malik wins all-round praise

SRH’s Umran Malik celebrates the dismissal of RCB’s Srikar Bharat on Wednesday. Pic/BCCI; IPL

Jammu & Kashmir speedster Umran Malik was just a net bowler with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) before being drafted in as a COVID-19 replacement for left-arm pacer T Natarajan. And after just two games Malik, 21, has impressed one and all with his sheer pace.

In his maiden IPL game against Kolkata Knight Riders in Dubai on Sunday, right-arm pacer Malik went wicketless, conceding 27 off four overs, but clocked 151 kmph and drew eyeballs. Then, on Wednesday, he finished with figures of 4-0-21-1, playing a crucial role in SRH's four-run win in Abu Dhabi. But more importantly, he clocked 153 kmph - the fastest delivery of this IPL.

Both SRH skipper Kane Williamson and RCB captain Virat Kohli lavished praise on the youngster at the post-match presentation ceremony. "Umran certainly is special. We've seen him in the nets for a couple of seasons and it's not surprising to see him do well," said Williamson.

"This tournament throws up talent every year. It's good to see a guy bowling at 150 clicks. It's important to understand his progress hereon," said Kohli.

Malik's SRH teammate Jason Holder revealed that the pacer often troubles him in the nets. "Pace is Umran's biggest asset. He's been consistent and has been giving us quite a hard time in training. He has been very hard to get hold of," said the West Indian all-rounder at the post-match virtual press conference.

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