The 22-year-old pacer from Jammu rattled even the best of batting attacks with his blistering pace and made headlines by clocking speeds of over 150 kilometres in the just-concluded IPL.
Umran, who bowled the fastest delivery (156.9 kph) by an Indian in the tournament, ended up picking 22 wickets in 14 matches. His thunderbolts earned him high praise from pundits and former players including Hyderabad’s bowling coach Dale Steyn who said he was “blown away” by the youngster’s pace. Umran, who is nicknamed ‘Jammu Express’, attracted the selectors’ attention with his rapid speed and it ultimately led to his selection in top-flight cricket.
Former Australia speedster Brett Lee even compared the Sunrisers quick to legendary Waqar Younis, who was known for the art of reverse swing bowling. “I am a big fan. I think Umran Malik has got a lot of pace to burn. He is a competitor, a top guy, who runs in like a lot of fast bowlers in the past. Waqar Younis is the person who comes to mind,” Lee told ANI.
