Umran Malik can be an asset for the Indian team: Nikhil Chopra

Although the J&K pacer Umran Malik featured in only three games in the IPL 2021, he was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad(SRH) ahead of the 2022 mega auction. In the initial games of this season, he gave away runs at an expensive rate with only a handful of wickets, but the team management backed him and he delivered. In the fixture against Punjab Kings (PBKS), he returned with figures of 4/28 and has been in proper rhythm with his pace and aggression.

The former Indian cricketers Nikhil Chopra and Wasim Chopra while discussing the form of Malik this season said that the SRH pacer has an x-factor, and he can prove to be an asset on the Australian pitches if he is named in the T20 World Cup squad.

“It is interesting to watch how this Indian fast bowler is making a name for himself. Until last year, most people didn’t know him, but everyone waits for him over this season. Even though he has played fewer games, he got that X-factor you’re looking for, he has the ability and pace and will be an asset for the Indian team in the World Cup,” said Nikhil Chopra on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket Show’ on CricTracker.

‘I genuinely feel this boy can bowl faster’ – Wasim Jaffer heaps praise on Umran Malik

On being asked if Malik can touch 160 kmph mark, Jaffer said that the pacer is still young and needs to work on his fitness, and with more games under his belt, he can surely touch the mark. Jaffer stressed on the fact that Malik has not played enough first-class cricket and IPL games, and will only get better. Jaffer concluded by saying that the SRH pacer can be tested in the series against South Africa.

“He is very young. With a little bit of experience, with a little bit of fitness getting better, and the more time he plays, he can get better [touch 160 mark]. He is still up and growing, and the more he plays, the more confident he becomes and understands his body. He has only played a handful of first-class and IPL games, and I genuinely feel this boy can bowl faster. I think he can be tested in the bilateral series against South Africa,” Jaffer said.