Former India cricketer Nikhil Chopra feels pacers Umran Malik and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be the key to the success of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the ongoing Indian Premier League 15 (IPL 15).
Chopra said that while Malik had the pace and ability to do well for the franchise, Bhuvneshwar brings experience to the table. And if SRH were to do well, the pair needed to click together.
Speaking on CricTracker’s ‘Not Just Cricket Show’, Chopra said, “The young pacer (Malik) is one of the fastest bowlers in the world at the moment, and the selectors will keep a close eye on him. He had a great season last year and His performance will decide the fate of the Hyderabad franchise.”
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Highlighting the importance of Bhuvneshwar’s rich experience, Chopra said, “If both do well in the tournament, Hyderabad will be the top contenders for the title.”
Malik, who made his IPL debut last year, impressed everyone with his bowling in the UAE leg of the tournament. The 22-year-old pacer from Jammu and Kashmir picked up 11 wickets in his eight matches and was retained by the franchise along with skipper Kane Williamson and Abdul Samad before going to the IPL mega auction.
Meanwhile, Bhuvneshwar was bought by SRH for Rs 4.2 crore but has been associated with the franchise since 2014.
SRH started their IPL 15 campaign with a loss at the hands of Rajasthan Royals last night. After winning the toss, Hyderabad team invited RR to bat first but failed to take the opening wicket. On the basis of captain Sanju Samson’s 55 off 27 balls and Devdutt Paddikal’s 41 runs, Rajasthan’s team scored a total of 210 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. While Malik took two wickets in his spell, Bhuvneshwar took one wicket for 29 runs in his four overs.
In reply, SRH could manage only 149 runs in the 11th over after being reduced to 37/5. Washington Sundar became the highest scorer for the team with his quick knock of 40 runs in just 14 balls.
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