Quite impressed with pace sensation Umran Malik, who sent down the IPL’s fastest delivery against his franchise, India captain Virat Kohli stated the Jammu and Kashmir youngster’s growth needs to be monitored to ensure his potential is maximized and known. The 21-year-old from Jammu has got everyone excited with his raw pace and clocked 152.95 kph during the game against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Kohli was paying attention and was quite excited by what he saw. “This tournament throws up talent every year, good to see a guy bowling at 150 clicks. It is important to understand the progress of individuals from hereon,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation after his team lost the game by four runs.
Umran Malik is an Indian cricketer. He made his Twenty20 debut on 18 January 2021, for Jammu & Kashmir in the 2020–21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He made his List A debut on 27 February 2021, for Jammu & Kashmir in the 2020–21 Vijay Hazare Trophy.
“The pool of fast bowlers being strong is always a good sign for Indian cricket and whenever you see talent like this, you are going to have your eyes on them and make sure you maximize their potential which is already being seen at the IPL level,” he added.
Umran’s IPL debut was against Kolkata Knight Riders and he clocked 151.03 kmph, which was at that time the fastest delivery by an Indian this time.
His 152.95 kmph zinger recently made him the fastest of the IPL, surpassing Lockie Ferguson (152.75 kmph).
SRH skipper Kane Williamson counted him as one of the positives of a largely disappointing season for his team.
“Umran certainly is special. We’ve seen him in the nets for a couple of seasons. Special opportunity for him and it’s not surprising to see him come and do well. (He has) Been a really valuable addition to the side,” said Williamson.
“I try and keep it really simple with him but he’s got a lot of mates in the team and they share the message and he takes the game on,” he added.
