Going against his reputation as the express fast bowler, Umran Malik has said that his focus is not on delivering the fastest ball against South Africa, but on hitting the right lines and lengths.
In the IPL 2022, bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Malik snapped up 22 wickets in 14 games at an average of 20, albeit at a slightly expensive economy of 9.03, finishing as the fourth-highest wicket-taker of the season.
Following his breakthrough IPL season, Malik received his maiden India call-up for the upcoming 5-T20I series against the Proteas.
He also hit the 157 KPH marker on the speed gun, only bettered by Gujarat Titans‘ Lockie Ferguson who clocked 157.3 KPH in the final. The record for the fastest delivery ever in cricket history is held by former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar who broke the 100 mph barrier and bowled a delivery of 161.3 kph (100.2 mph).
Umran Malik Revealed His Big Plans
The 22-year-old pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, Umran Malik, though, isn’t thinking of Akhtar’s record. He asserted that his main focus is to get his lines and lengths right, while also keeping his pace over 150, and that he aims to win all the games for India.
“My focus is not on that record right now. I want to bowl well, bowl in the right areas, and help my country win all five matches against South Africa. I want to keep it 150 or above to maintain my body and strength,” Malik was quoted as saying by India Today.
Umran Malik On How Abdul Samad Helped Him
He also spoke about how his J&K and SRH teammate Abdul Samad has helped him motivate in upping his speeds.
“Abdul (Samad) motivated me a lot. Whenever I used to bowl to him, he would say I am bowling slow. So, then I would deliver with more pace. And then the gym and proper exercise helped me with this,” he added.
The first of the 5 T20Is is slated for June 9 in Delhi; the series concluded on June 19 in Bangalore. Impressive performance against SA and later on could see Malik made an entry into India’s T20 World Cup squad.
