Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has showered praise on young Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler Umran Malik, labelling him as an India talent. Incidentally, Umran, who hails from Jammu & Kashmir, impressed one and all with his brisk pace and ability to hit 150 kph.
The young pacer was one of the three cricketers retained by the Hyderabad franchise alongside Kane Williamson and Abdul Samad. Umran Malik lived upto the expectations on the franchise in the first match, returning with 2/39 that had plenty on offer for the batters.
Umran Malik is so exciting. He has raw pace which can't be learnt. Now it is upto coaches and captains to make him special.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 29, 2022
Ravi Shastri, who was broadcasting during the game, was bowled over by Umran’s raw pace. The former Indian all-rounder believes if he can hit the right areas, the right-arm pacer will trouble a lot of batters.
Speaking in the mid-innings show on host broadcaster Star Sports, Shastri said:
“I think this guy has got talent. He has genuine pace and if he hits the right areas he is going to trouble a lot of batsmen. It is about handling him properly. It’s the messages that you give him, it’s the way you communicate with him that is going to be very very important.”
He then went onto add:
“There is no doubt in his potential. This guy is an India player. When he is ready, only time will tell, but that communication part is extremely important. He should be handled with care and kept in the mix.”
“He should be kept in the mix of the Indian cricket team, the A team” – Ravi Shastri on how Umran Malik could be nurtured
When asked about how he should be handled Ravi Shastri said that the fast bowler could be roped in as a net bowler for the Indian team so that he gets a feel of the team culture.
“He should be kept in the mix of the Indian cricket team, the A team. The selectors will have to watch him closely and keep him in the mix as much as they can. If this COVID thing persists and you need net bowlers or an extended party, have him there,” he concluded.
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