IPL 2021: Who is Umran Malik? All you need to know about the youngster who clocked 151kmph on his debut

SunRisers Hyderabad might have lost the match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and has been in lean patch throughout the IPL 2021 but pacer Umran Malik impressed one and all. Umran, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir made his IPL debut on Sunday against KKR and rattled the opposition batters with his raw pace, and left the cricket world stunned. Although he couldn’t pick a wicket in his first game, Umran received appreciation from all the cricket fraternity. He ended up conceding just 27 runs in his four overs.

The 21-year-old was consistently bowling over 140kmph and clocked two deliveries over 150kmph. He clocked 151.03kmph (93.84 mph), the fastest delivery by an Indian bowler this season. His 151.03kmph delivery is now the seventh-fastest in IPL 2021. Also, he is now the only Indian in the top ten for this season to deliver the fastest balls.

Umran Malik bowling speed (in kmph) over-wise vs KKR

Umran Malik was a short-term replacement for T Natarajan

Sunrisers Hyderabad had brought in Umran Malik as a short-term COVID-19 replacement for T Natarajan for their ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 campaign in the UAE. Natarajan had tested positive for COVID-19 on September 22. Before making his debut against KKR, Malik had played one List A match for Jammu Kashmir, giving away 98 runs from his 10 overs and picking a wicket against Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has also played one T20 match, where he returned with figures as 3/24 at an economy rate of 6 against Railways in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Umran was groomed by former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan

Umran Malik was groomed by former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan during his tenure as a mentor with the Kashmir-based side. Irfan congratulated the pacer last month when he was added to the SRH squad. “Congratulations J&K for yet another selection in the IPL. The tree still giving fruits. Keep it going #umranmalik,” Pathan had written on his official Twitter account.

“What struck me was his pace, but back then, he would jump out a lot. So, we had to work a bit on his bowling action. That helped him gain control and it benefitted his bowling,” Irfan Pathan said on air.

“Umran was one of the young prospects and our aim was to work with him in the camp and prepare him for the Ranji Trophy. But that did not happen. But all credit to him, he has worked really hard over the last few months and has been very impressive in the nets,” he added

Fastest deliveries in IPL 2021 (Top 10)

1. Lockie Ferguson (KKR) 152.75 km/h.
2. Lockie Ferguon (KKR) 152.74 km/h.
3. Anrich Nortje (DC) 151.71 km/h
4. Anrich Nortje (DC) 151.37 km/h
5. Lockie Ferguson (KKR) 151.33 km/h
6. Lockie Ferguson (KKR) 151.20 km/h
7. Umran Malik (SRH) 151.03 km/h
8. Anrich Nortje (DC) 150.83 km/h
9. Lockie Ferguson (KKR) 150.39 km/h
10. Anrich Nortje (DC) 150.21 km/h