Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Umran Malik credited Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson and senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for his success in IPL 2022.
Malik earned plaudits for his sheer pace and ability to bowl thunderbolt speed deliveries, breaching the 150kmph on regular basis.
Malik bowled 157kmph in a match against Delhi Capitals as the fastest ball of the tournament, only for Gujarat Titans pacer Lockie Ferguson (157.3kmph) to break the record in the final.
Malik picked 22 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 20.18 and was the fourth-highest wicket-taker this season behind Kagiso Rabada (23), Wanindu Hasaranga (26) and Yuzvendra Chahal (27).
A lot of credit goes to Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Umran Malik
The 22-year-old bagged his maiden five-wicket haul – 5/25 against Gujarat Titans in the second leg. Four of his five dismissals came as clean bowled.
“A lot of credit goes to Bhuvi Bhai (Bhuvneshwar Kumar). Whenever I bowled (in nets) he used to stand at either mid-on or mod-off and monitor me,” Malik told Bcci.tv.
“Also, to Kane Williamson, because he has always kept me happy. Whenever I leaked runs, he consoled me and never let me feel low. He always helped me keep my spirit high,” he added.
Umran Malik reveals Dale Steyn’s message on the India call-up
Following his monumental success in IPL 2022 with SRH, the J & K pacer received a maiden call-up for India in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.
“When I received the call-up, Dale Steyn sir was long with me. We were on the bus, en-route to a game. Everyone congratulated me while Dale sir said, ‘I told you even before the IPL 2022 began that you will be in the Indian team after this season’. And thanks to almighty that it happened,” Malik said.
“My only goal would be to give my best and perform more and more for the success of Team India,” he concluded.
Malik could make his international debut in Indian colours on Thursday (June 9), when India takes on South Africa in the first T20 International game in Delhi.
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