‘I Want Him To Play In The World Cup Some Day’- Umran Malik’s Father Shares His Dream

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer Umran Malik’s father Abdu Rashid is one proud man in Jammu thanks to his exploits in the ongoing IPL 2022 (Indian Premier League). The 22-year-old came into the limelight after bowling a wicket-maiden 20^th over in the match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings.

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Malik, who hails from Srinagar, became just the third bowler in the history of the IPL to not concede a single run in the 20th over of an innings. Irfan Pathan (for PBKS in 2008) and Jaydev Unadkat (for RPS in 2017) are the two other bowlers who have achieved this incredible feat in the past (they did this in the 20th over of the second innings).

Sri Lanka pace legend Lasith Malinga (for MI in 2009) conceded 1 bye and 4 leg byes (counted as extras) in the 20th over of a match in the 2009 edition.

Abdul Rashid, in an interview with the Times of India, said that his dream is now to see Umran donning the Indian jersey.

He said: “My only dream now is to see my son in an Indian team jersey. I want him to play in the World Cup some day. I am sure he will. He has reached this level and I am confident he will get there very soon. He will make the entire country proud.”

Umran has played 7 matches in the tournament so far and has bagged 10 wickets. Incredibly over 90% of his deliveries have been bowled at over 140 kmph.

The Kids Would Fight Over Who Got To Pick Him In Their Teams: Umran Malik’s Father On His Son

India’s new speed gun Umran consistently bowls at 145- 150kph plus and is India’s fastest bowler currently. Umran’s father Rashid further shared with TimesofIndia.com the journey of his son, who feels should be fast-tracked into the Indian team.

“Umran was adamant that he wanted to become a fast bowler. He used to run hard and do that for a long time. I knew he was determined. He used to practice at the Science College in Jammu with wet tennis balls. He used to take a long run up and bowl as fast as possible. He used to dip the tennis ball in water and then bowl,” Rashid said.

“Umran was famous and boys, from all corners of Jammu, would come over and take him along to play cricket. He won many prizes and trophies in local matches. He was famous because he was the fastest bowler. The kids would fight over who got to pick him in their teams. He had the ability to skittle out any team. I tried to stop him some times. But he would really request me to let him go and play,” he added.

Umran Malik was picked by SRH as an injury replacement in IPL 2021 and was retained by the franchise ahead of IPL 2022 for INR 4 crores.

Also Read: IPL 2022: MS Dhoni’s Reputation Overrides The Bowler’s Mind: Brad Hogg