IND vs NZ: "Umran Malik Is Undoubtedly The Best Bowler Speed-Wise, He Needs To Be Groomed And Should Be Given The Confidence That He Will Be Backed"- Rajkumar Sharma

India’s young pace sensation Umran Malik became an overnight star after giving batters nightmares in the Indian Premier League 2022 edition. The speedster made his much-awaited ODI debut against New Zealand in the first match of the three-match series at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, November 25.

The 23-year-old impressed with his raw pace, taking two wickets in his ten overs. His fastest ball was clocked at 153 kph, and most of his other deliveries were above 145 kph. But his efforts were in vain as Tom Latham (145) and Kane Williamson (94) put on a record fourth-wicket partnership of 221 to help the Kiwis chase down the target of 307 with seven wickets in hand.

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Umran Malik Is An Excellent Talent – Rajkumar Sharma

Speaking to India News, Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma urged the Indian team management to back promising fast bowler Umran Malik. Among the country’s genuine fast bowlers, he considers the Jammu and Kashmir player a great choice.

“I would urge the Indian management to back Umran Malik. He is an excellent talent, someone who can bowl at 150 kph plus. You need to identify your fast bowlers, and Umran Malik is undoubtedly the best bowler speed-wise. He needs to be groomed and should be given the confidence that he will be backed. He must be told not to cut down on pace even if he goes for a few runs,” Rajkumar Sharma said.

Umran made his IPL debut in 2021 under Kane Williamson, and he was one of three players retained by SRH ahead of the IPL mega-auction in 2022. He finished fourth as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament, with 22 wickets in 14 games.

Umran made his T20I debut in July during India’s tour of Ireland and England. He has played three T20Is so far and has two wickets at an economy rate of more than 12. Umran has only played three List A games before making his ODI debut, picking up two wickets at a rate of 6.4. In T20 cricket, the pacer has 45 wickets in 33 games with an economy rate of 8.92, including a five-wicket haul.

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