Umran will play for India but quality of execution will matter more than raw pace: Nortje
India Today
Umran Malik has been a revelation while playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Delhi Capitals’ (DC) fast bowler Anrich Nortje has backed Umran Malik to represent Team India at the highest level sooner than later. The 22-year-old Malik is currently plying his trade for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and has picked up 15 wickets in the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL).
More than picking up wickets, Malik has grabbed the limelight due to his sheer ability to generate pace. He also picked up a five-wicket haul against the Gujarat Titans (GT), although his efforts went in vain. However, despite SRH’s five-wicket loss, Umran won the Player of the Match award.
"I am sure Umran is going to be one of the key players for India in the near future. Luck will also have to play its part. But most importantly, it's about the quality of what you deliver, as we have seen the fastest deliveries that are being awarded are going for boundaries," Nortje was quoted as saying.
"It doesn't matter at what pace it is bowled. Pace is not the be-all and end-all,” he stated.
Nortje also said that Umran will flourish under the guidance of former South Africa paceman Dale Steyn, who joined the Orange Army as the fast bowling coach last year.
"It is about the quality of execution. And I believe he is improving on that aspect of having control over pace. Also at Sunrisers Hyderabad, under Dale (Steyn, fast bowling coach), Umran is in good hands. He has a lot of senior and experienced players around him, so he will certainly improve," Nortje added.
Earlier, Steyn also said that Malik has the ability to play for the national team. Recently, veteran wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal said that Malik would already have played international cricket by now if he was in Pakistan. Malik joined SRH last season after coming in as a replacement for T Natarajan.
