Cricket in India is as good as a religion. It unites the country like nothing else. When the Indian team plays, the country stops and admires. Millions of youngsters dream of donning the blue Indian jersey every day and some go on to achieve that dream. Over the years, the IPL has acted as a catalyst to propel youngsters in achieving that dream.
From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India has promising young talent in every nook and corner. One such exceptional talent who has been discovered in IPL 2022 is Umran Malik. The young prodigal talent is just 22 years but his lethal predatory fast bowling torment the world’s best batsmen. He has been a complete revelation in IPL 2022. He has bowled with such ferocity that it has forced people to sit up and take notice. Today, all cricket fans, IPL watchers, pundits, and analysts are gaga over this young man. His ability to be fast and swing the ball makes him unplayable.
Umran comes into his own
In yesterday’s match, Malik ensured that he makes a bid for a place on the plane to Australia for the T20 world cup. Chasing 195, Gujarat Titans made a rollicking start by getting nearly 70 runs opening stand. Wriddhiman Saha in particular was in sublime touch scoring at a 180 strike rate and getting 68 runs in just 38 balls.
When every other bowler including noted international bowlers like Jansen was going for plenty, Malik had other plans. He got Saha by bowling a fast-darting yorker. He then went on to pick up Gill, Hardik Pandya, the dangerous David Miller, and Abhinav Manohar. The ball that got Pandya was a bouncer at 152 clicks.
All heart and sheer pace! 🔝 🔥🔥#UmranMalik pic.twitter.com/jah3VSdpx8
— Washington Sundar (@Sundarwashi5) April 27, 2022
Even though Sunrisers Hyderabad ended up losing the game, Umran Malik ended with IPL’s best figures of 5-25 from his 4 overs. These figures also happen to be the best figures for a 5-fer in this season. He now sits in the second position of wicket-takers with 15 scalps.
Aussie star, Lynn, wants Malik to play for India
Soon after this performance, fans were excited about India having such a phenomenal talent. This fact was reiterated by one of Australia’s most destructive T20 batsmen, Chris Lynn. He was quoted saying he would love to have Malik travel with the Indian team to Australia for the T20I world cup later this year. There have been calls for Malik to play in the sole England test in July. Fans also want him to go to Australia for the T20 world cup. the thought of having Bumrah and Malik bowl together for India has also excited a lot of people. Whatever be the case, this golden boy needs to be nurtured as he has a bright future ahead of him.
"Would love to see Umran Malik in the T20 World Cup 2022." – Chris Lynn (On ESPNcricinfo)
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) April 28, 2022
Send some scouts to Jammu. There must be more where he came from! #UmranMalik
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 27, 2022
Umran Malik’s becoming an addiction. #SRHvGT
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) April 27, 2022
Dale Steyn is the happiest man currently watching Umran Malik dominate with pace. pic.twitter.com/FaDl955WpG
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 27, 2022
Batsman when umpire gives a Wide on an Umran Malik delivery. pic.twitter.com/sN2aK9JScu
— Abijit Ganguly (@AbijitG) April 27, 2022
The rise and rise of Umran Malik is the story of this IPL. So far he's been coming to bowl with opposition under pressure but this time came when GT were wicketless and took down the top 3 🔥 #SRHvGT #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/XCfS59VlIK
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) April 27, 2022