Umran Malik gives a bold statement after being compared to Waqar Younis

Young Indian sensation, Umran Malik received his maiden call-up to the Indian Team for the upcoming five-match T20 series against South Africa. He impressed one and all with his fast bowling exploits in the recently concluded Indian T20 League 2022. Turning up for Hyderabad, the 22-year-old picked the most wickets for the team and was the fourth-highest wicket-taker, overall.  In 14 matches, Malik picked 22 wickets at 20.18.

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More than anything, he consistently made headlines due to his ability to bowl at a speed over 150 kmph. With that, he has also become the fastest bowler the country has ever produced. A lot of former cricketers have hailed Umran Malik’s ability to bowl quick and Brett Lee also stated that Malik reminds him of Waqar Younis.

The young pacer, however, stated that he didn’t follow Waqar Younis during his playing days and named Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as his idols.

“I have not followed Waqar Younis. I have a natural action. My idols include (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami and Bhuvneshwar (Kumar) bhai. I used to follow them when I was playing while coming through the ranks,” Malik said in an interview with Indian Express.

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Umran Malik has been in limelight for the last two months. But he has tried to remain calm and not get carried away.

“There’s no point getting carried away. If it is destined to happen, it will Inshallah. I want to do my best for my country. I have got an opportunity in these five (T20I) matches (against South Africa). My goal will be that we win all five matches, I perform well and single-handedly win those games for India,” Malik added.

India are slated to play a five-match T20 series against South Africa at home. Umran Malik has been picked for the series and it will be interesting to see if he gets the chance to represent the Indian Cricket Team. KL Rahul will lead the side, while Rishabh Pant will be his deputy.