IPL 2022: Umran Malik Is Certainly Capable Of Playing International Cricket – Dale Steyn

Umran Malik wreaked havoc in IPL 2022 with his raw pace and sheer brilliance while bowling against the world-class batters.

Bowling above 150 has been a norm for Malik like he did against Gujarat Titans in the first leg. He clocked 157 kmph speed in a match against Delhi Capitals to record the fastest delivery of the tournament, surpassing his own record of 154kmph.

IPL 2022: Umran Malik claimed a maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket

In the second leg against the Titans, Malik claimed his maiden five-wicket haul with 5/25. Four of his five wickets involved the dismantling of the stumps including the one Wriddhiman Saha bowled at the speed of 152.8 kmph.

The 22-year-old has snapped 15 wickets in 11 matches at 24.27 and an economy rate of 9.1.

Every international team will want to play Umran Malik: Dale Steyn

Since his sensational spell against the Titans, Umran hasn’t picked wickets for three matches on the trot. He is also conceded more than 12 runs per over in all three matches.

He was taken to the cleaners by Rovman Powell as the West Indies power-hitter smashed 18 runs – three fours and a six – in the final over of the Delhi Capitals’ innings.

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis tonked Malik for a couple of boundaries and a six. The pacer bowled just two overs against RCB and leaked 25 runs.

However, Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling coach Dale Steyn is of the opinion that Malik deserves an opportunity in the Indian colours on the basis of consistency with speed bowling.

“He is an all-out fast bowler. Above 90 per cent of his deliveries are around 142 to 145kmph – tell you he is looking for pace all the time. This makes batters think differently in the way they approach him and where they score off him.

“That is the reason he has picked up wickets. The message to him is to keep things simple. [Just] stay straight, look to attack the stumps, use the bouncer, be smart when you want to change pace, and bowl to your field,” Steyn told The Week.

“How India uses him is up to them, but he is certainly capable of playing international cricket. One guy bowling 150kmph consistently; I think every international team will want him. How and where you use him is critical,” he added. 

SRH will face Kolkata Knight Riders in their next game on Saturday (May 14) at the MCA stadium in Pune.

Also Read: IPL 2022: He Is On A Very Steep Learning Curve – SRH Coach Tom Moody Backs Pacer Umran Malik To Come Back Stronger