‘So much more talent to discover there’ – Irfan Pathan on J&K’s fast-bowling stocks after Umran Malik’s rise

Umran Malik has been a revelation for Sunrisers Hyderabad ever since he was roped in as a replacement for T Natarajan, who was tested positive for COVID-19. Malik didn’t come into the 2021 IPL on the back of a lot of experience. Having played one List A and one T20 match, he was starting to find his feet. However, he has grabbed eyeballs while playing for SRH in the tournament.

The 21-year-old has clocked in excess of 150 kmph quite a few times. Moreover, On Wednesday during the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he also got the wicket of KS Bharat. In the meantime, renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle reckoned that apart from raw pace, Malik has the ability to show a great amount of control over his line and length as well.

Tagging Irfan Pathan, Bhogle took to Twitter and wrote, “Something about pace that has you on the edge of your seat. Umran Malik isn’t just a tearaway. He looks a proper bowler and we need to look after him. @IrfanPathan, any more there in Jammu and Kashmir?“

Pathan, who’s been with J&K for quite a few years, said that there’s a lot of talent in J&K cricket. Pathan replied and wrote, “Harsha bhai, so far, we’ve only managed to scratch the surface of J&K cricket. So much more talent to discover there!”

Harsha bhai, So far we’ve only managed to scratch the surface of J&K cricket. So much more talent to discover there!

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 6, 2021

Kohli, Williamson praise Umran Malik

After the match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Malik conjured praises from RCB skipper Virat Kohli, who also gave him a signed jersey.

“[Umran Malik] good to see a guy bowling at 150 clicks. It’s important to understand the progress of individuals from here, how to look after yourself. We’ve got to maximise the potential of our fast-bowling stocks,” Kohli said.

Following SRH’s four-run win, Kane Williamson, the SRH captain, called Malik a special prospect and wasn’t surprised to see him bowl well in top-level cricket.

“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. Been a really valuable addition to the side,” Williamson said.