'He's breathing fire' - Twitter goes berserk as SRH's Umran Malik delivers record 153kmph thunderbolt against RCB

Jammu & Kashmir pacer Umran Malik delivered the fastest delivery of the Indian Premier League 2021 season during his team Sunrisers Hyderabad’s fixture against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Roped in as a replacement for injured T Natarajan, Malik has been one of the very few positives for the franchise in an otherwise forgettable campaign.

After making noise against Kolkata Knight Riders with his searing pace, Malik went a step ahead against RCB as he clocked at 153kmph in the eighth over while delivering to Devdutt Padikkal. Malik was warmed up nicely, having delivered the previous three deliveries at 147, 150 and 152kmph, respectively. With a 153kmph thunderbolt, he bettered Lockie Fergusson’s 152.75 km record for the current season.

Hailing from a modest background, the 21-year-old has played just a solitary T20 and List A game but his promising exploits in a brief IPL career certainly make a case for him to be one of the potential future stars.

In a recent interaction. Malik’s father, Abdul Malik, a vegetable vendor, explained what their son’s feat means to the family. “My son got inclined to cricket when he was just 3 years old. He always dreamt of becoming a professional cricketer.

“We were so happy when he was picked up in the playing XI by Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday. We were glued to the TV and there were tears of joy in my and my wife’s eyes. My son has worked very hard. We always supported him. We hope that one day he plays for Team India,” he told to India Today.

“It is not an ordinary achievement for us. We are from a poor family. I sell vegetables and fruits to make a living. My son has made me proud. Our joy knows no bounds. Even Lt Governor Sahib has congratulated us. I pray to Almighty that my son continues to excel in his career”, his father added.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also took to Twitter to congratulate the young pacer on his IPL debut.

“Heartiest congratulations to Umran Malik on IPL debut today from the Sunrisers Hyderabad Team. You have made the entire Jammu Kashmir proud. You are the inspiration for many young cricketers. Best wishes for your cricket career ahead,” the Office of J&K Lt Governor wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, here’s how Twitter lauded the youngster’s effort for delivering the fastest delivery of IPL 2021: