IPL 2022: Virat Kohli Advised Me To Work On Bowling And Fitness, Reveals SRH’s Umran Malik

Ahead of the upcoming IPL 2022 edition, which begins on March 26 with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) taking on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler Umran Malik recalled words of wisdom he got from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter Virat Kohli in the IPL 2021.

The season sees an addition of two new franchises – Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders – to the tournament, thus adding to the competition in the race for playoffs. The 70 league stage matches will be played across four venues in Maharashtra in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune. The venues for the playoff matches will be announced later.

One franchise that will be looking to change its fortunes will be Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) who finished last on the points table in IPL 2021 edition with just three wins from 14 matches. Moreover, the SRH parted ways with two of their key players over the past few years – former captain David Warner and leading leg-spinner Rashid Khan.

SRH only retained three players before the IPL 2022 auction in Kane Williamson, who was named the franchise captain, and Jammu and Kashmir duo of Abdul Samad and fast bowler Umran Malik.

Virat Kohli Told Me To Work Hard And The India Cap Will Not Be That Far: Umran Malik

Umran Malik was the star attraction for the SRH side as he bowled the fastest delivery of the IPL 2021 season clocking well over 154 kph and continued to bowl at that speed consistently. Malik drew attention for his lightning-fast bowling speed and as a result, he was also selected as a net bowler for the T20 World Cup later in the same year.

The 22-year-old has now revealed his conversation with then-Indian captain Virat Kohli over his bowling and fitness.

“Virat Kohli spoke to me and told me to work on my bowling and fitness. He told me to work hard and once you do that the India cap is not too far away. He said I will get my chance when the time comes,” Malik told India.com.

SRH will face RR in their opening match of the IPL 2022 on March 29.

Also Read: Siddharth Kaul Excited To Reunite With Virat Kohli After 14 Years For RCB Ahead Of IPL 2022