'He'll stand behind me for three hours' - Umran Malik credits Dale Steyn for his impressive show in IPL 2022

Umran Malik has truly been on a roll in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. The right-arm pacer belongs to a rare breed of fast bowlers, who can clock 150 kmph on a regular basis. As he has also been among the wickets, several fans and experts want him in the Indian team sooner than later. As far as Umran’s numbers are concerned, the Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer has so far picked up 21 wickets in 13 games which includes a five-wicket haul.

On Tuesday (May 17), Umran delivered another sensational spell and took a match-winning three-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians. Following the conclusion of the game, he was engaged in a candid conversation with senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Umran credited SRH’s fast bowling coach Dale Steyn behind his success, revealing the former South African pacer guides him constantly.

People did not want to bat against me even in tennis ball: Umran Malik

“If I’m in the nets for three hours, he (Steyn) will stand behind me for three hours and guide me,” stated Umran. About his pace, Umran said it comes natural to him and he wants to bowl as fast as he can. “When we played with the tennis ball, even then people did not want to bat against me because I was so quick,” added the speedster, who has bowled the fastest delivery of this season, 157 kmph.

Meanwhile, Umran further revealed that his chainsaw celebration is also inspired from Steyn. “He does that punch celebration after I take wickets in the nets, I did it one day and it just stuck with me,” laughed the 22-year-old.

While Umran has been on a roll this season, the same can’t be said about SRH. The 2016 season champions are all but out of the playoff race, having lost seven of their first 13 games. As their net run rate (-0.230) is on the lower side, they need to win their remaining league-stage game against Punjab Kings by a big margin alongside hoping that the other match results will go their way.