IPL 2022, SRH vs RR: Umran Malik is an India player, he should be handled with care - Ravi Shastri

IPL 2022: Former head coach Ravi Shastri heaped praise on 22-year-old Umran Malik after the SunRisers Hyderabad pacer continued to impress with his raw pace. Even as Rajasthan Royals scored 210, Umran held his own, picking up 2 crucial wickets.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday said he is impressed with the pace and attitude of Umran Malik, adding that the SunRisers Hyderabad pacer will play for India sooner than later. Shastri's comments came after Umran came up with another impressive spell of fast-bowling in SunRisers' IPL 2022 opener against Rajasthan Royals at the MCA Stadium in Pune.

Umran Malik was one of the surprise retentions by SunRisers Hyderabad ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. The 22-year-old Srinagar pacer impressed in his maiden season for SRH in IPL 2021. He was retained for Rs 4 crore along with captain Kane Williamson and all-rounder Abdul Samad.

SRH vs RR, IPL 2022 Highlights

Umran gave away 19 runs in a nervy start to his new season as Rajasthan's Jos Buttler took him to the cleaners but he came back to remove the England star in his 2nd over in high-scoring first innings. Umran then broke a 50-plus stand between Sanju Samson and Devdutt Padikkal by beating the latter with pace as he consistently clocked pace in excess of 145 kph.

The 22-year-old pacer finished with figures of 2/37 even as Rajasthan posted 210 on the board in 20 overs.

"He is consistent and I like his attitude. This kid can only learn. This guy has got genuine pace, if he hits the right areas, he is going to trouble a lot of batters. It's about handling him properly. You have got to give him the right messages. The way you communicate with him will be very important," Ravi Shastri told Star Sports."There is no doubting his potential. This guy is an India player."

Shastri urged the Indian national team management to keep Umran close to the senior team and the selects o consistently track his progress.