Sunil Gavaskar, the former India captain, has heaped praise on Jammu and Kashmir’s fast-bowling sensation, Umran Malik, dubbing him the “next big thing” after Sachin Tendulkar.
Since his breakout season in the IPL 2022, Malik has been the talk of the cricket world.
Sunil Gavaskar on Umran Malik
Umran Malik has returned to the Indian team after missing the T20 World Cup and has wowed everyone with his incredible speed. Sunil Gavaskar, a cricketing legend, said in a public statement that Umran Malik is the Indian representative he has been most looking forward to seeing after Sachin Tendulkar.
In November, the 23-year-old played against New Zealand in his first ODI. The speedster took Mohammed Shami’s place during the Bangladesh series after initially not being a member of the team due to a shoulder injury to Shami.
After a fantastic season with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, he first entered the national scene. The cricketer, who was born in Srinagar, took 22 wickets in 14 games during the 15th edition of the competition, and his raw pace mesmerized everyone. Prior to the second ODI between Bangladesh and India, Gavaskar, a former cricketer who was a member of the broadcast team during the competition, showered the speedster with the highest praise.
“One player I am most excited to see playing for India after Sachin Tendulkar is Umran Malik,” Gavaskar said.
Soon after Sunil Gavaskar made his remarks about the cricketer, Umran displayed his talent by bowling Najmul Shanto an impeccably timed delivery. Shanto was completely taken by surprise by the speedster’s 151 kph bowling as the latter was overcome by speed. Kuldeep Sen, who was ruled to be ineligible due to a stiff back, was replaced by the 23-year-old in the starting XI. The player is currently being evaluated by the medical staff and has been told to take some time off, according to a statement from BCCI.
“Kuldeep Sen complained of back stiffness following the first ODI against Bangladesh on Sunday. The BCCI Medical Team assessed him and has advised him rest. He was not available for selection for the 2nd ODI,” BCCI stated.
