Young fast bowler Umran Malik has moved a step closer to fulfilling his dream of playing for the Indian cricket team. After a stellar season for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, the right-arm pacer received his maiden national call-up for the South Africa T20I, starting June 9 in Delhi. He has started training under the watchful eye of head coach Rahul Dravid and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, while fans are eager to know if he gets his maiden cap in the first match of the series in Delhi.
Ahead of the first encounter, Umran talks about his time at the SRH camp IPL 2022. He played all 14 matches and ended the season with 22 wickets; Yuzvendra is the fourth highest wicket-taker behind Chahal (27), Wanindu Hasaranga (26) and Kagiso Rabada (23). He also recorded his best T20 bowling figures in a league stage game against Gujarat Titans – 5 for 25.
In a conversation with bcci.tv, Umran credited his success in the tournament to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and SRH skipper Kane Williamson.
“My target was to do well for my team (Sunrisers Hyderabad). I had great support from the captain and support staff. He used me well and at the right time and in return I took wickets for the team.
“To have a dream come true moment” India Call.”
Umran Malik speaks about the excitement over being a part of #teamindia The squad, the first day in the practice session, their idols and goals ahead. – By @28anand
full interview #INDvSA , @paytm pic.twitter.com/V9ySL4JKDl
— BCCI (@BCCI) 8 June 2022
“A lot of credit goes to Bhuvi Bhai (Bhubaneswar Kumar). Whenever I bowled (in the nets), he would stand at mid-on or mod-off and watch me. Also Kane Williamson because he has always made me happy. He consoled me whenever I conceded runs and never made me feel low. He always helped me keep my spirit high,” said Umran.
The 22-year-old pacer from Kashmir recalled the incident when he was named in the Indian squad. He revealed that SRH’s bowling coach Dale Steyn was confident that he would make it to Team India after IPL 2022.
“When I got the call-up, Dale Steyn sir was with me. We were on the bus, on our way to the game. Everyone congratulated me while Dale sir said, ‘I told you even before IPL 2022 starts that you will be in the Indian team after this season. And thanks to the Almighty that this happened, ”said Umran.
“My only goal will be to give my best and perform as much as possible for Team India’s success,” he concluded.
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