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Umran Malik has been a revelation in the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The young speedster from Jammu and Kashmir has taken the cricket fraternity by storm with his ability to consistently cross 150kph while bowling. Not just speed, Malik has earned praise for his wicket-taking abilities. Although he has been on the expensive side in a few games, Malik has shown the potential to play on the big stage.
Playing only in his second season, Malik has created a massive impact among fans and experts with his sensational bowling. Former India coach Ravi Shastri also looks impressed with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer. On many occasions, Shastri has heaped praise on the young gun. Now, after Malik’s match-winning spell of 3-23 against Mumbai Indians, Shastri has put forth the demand for the pacer’s inclusion in the national side.
Shastri has advised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to hand Malik his national cap straight away and keep him in the mix. He has also urged the board to groom the cricketer and don’t let him stray.
“Central contract straightaway. Keep him in the mix with the main players and then he learns seeing (and) being around with the [Mohammed] Shamis and the [Jasprit] Bumrahs, and see the way they train, see the way they manage their workload,” Shastri told ESPNcricinfo.
“Of course, there’ll be the team management there, support staff, that’ll help him do that, but don’t let him stray at the moment. Get him into the mix, and keep him there and groom him,” the former Indian coach added.
Talking about Malik’s performance in IPL 2022, the SRH pacer has bagged 21 wickets in 13 games at an average of 20. He has been a bit expensive as he has conceded runs at 8.94 rpo. He also has a five-wicket haul this season.