(Cricket news) In Sunrisers Hyderabad's last ball thriller against Gujarat Titans, Umran Malik was named the Player of the match. GT ended up chasing the target of 196 with 5 wickets to spare thanks to some late fireworks by Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan. Despite being on the losing side Umran Malik was selected as the player of the match, which doesn't happen often especially in the T20 format but it was just that kind of spell by the Jammu bowler.
When Malik came into bowl, Gujarat were wicketless and cruising towards the target thanks to a brilliant opening partnership by Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill. He picked up the wickets of Gill, Saha, Hardik Pandya and Abhinav Manohar in his 4 overs. The speedster gave away only 25 runs in his 4 overs and bowled at lightning quick pace. In his wicket taking balls he clocked the speeds of 144.2 kmph, 145.1 kmph, 152.8 kmp, 148.7 kmph, 146.8 kmph. The 5 wicket haul was the first of the IPL season by a fast bowler.
As every game passes the pacer is making an excellent case for himself to make his international debut. If Umran Malik continues these types of performances then the selectors will have no option but to get him into the side. India will be hosting South Africa in the T20I series before travelling to England for the one off Test and white ball series. There will also be 2 T20Is in Ireland where the BCCI is likely to send a 2nd string side. If Malik doesn't find a place in the main squad then he will definitely be a part of the 2nd team. Many experts and former players have already suggested that he must be included in the Indian team before it's too late to see if he belongs to the level.
Other Indian players who perform well during the IPL all get a buzz for an international call up but with Umran Malik it's different. No one on the Indian side can do what Malik does, in fact no one even comes close. Clocking 150 kmph on a regular basis is very unique and if India has a bowler with that ability then it's going to be the bowling attack better than it already is. Malik has already been a part of the Indian side as a net bowler in last year's T20 World Cup. If he does get a call up and puts in a good performance then he might make his way into the T20 World Cup squad.
Also read: Struggling KKR take on a depleted DC squad in match no 41
