IPL 2022: Facing Umran Malik in the nets is a nightmare – Glenn Phillips

Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Glenn Phillips reckons facing Umran Malik in the net sessions is a nightmare and he bats with his chest guard on against the ace paceman.

Malik has impressed with his raw and he has been consistently bowling above 145 km/h in the ongoing IPL. The gun fast bowler has bowled more than 60 deliveries above 145 clicks and he is the new rising star of the IPL.

Malik has a smooth action and he can breathe down the neck of the opposition batter with his extra pace. The right-hander fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir has also impressed with his line and length in the last couple of matches.

Malik returned with impressive figures of 2-27 against Kolkata Knight Riders and played a key role in the team’s seven-wicket win. Furthermore, the 22-year-old pacer scalped four wickets and conceded 28 runs in his quota of four overs against Punjab Kings on Sunday. Malik took three wickets in the final over and bowled a maiden over to skittle out the opposition at 151.

“He’s absolutely rapid. Facing him in the nets is a nightmare. I’ve got my chest guard on to not get hurt. Imagine what those balls (in the game) will be feeling out there,” Phillips said during the first innings.

“When it comes to bowling first, we really have to keep hydrating as much as possible. The heat is really playing a big part. Hopefully, we keep them in check and he (Umran) keeps bowling at that pace.

On the other hand, Malik admitted that he is used to bowling in the heat in Jammu and had no issues while playing the day game against Punjab Kings at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Sunday.

“In Jammu, it usually gets to 47 or 48 degrees, so it doesn’t matter (the heat), it’s actually nice to play in this heat. I think I have got my line and length better over the last few days, the plan was to keep it full and straight, and in that channel just outside off,” Umran said in the innings break.

SRH have made a good comeback as they have won their last three matches after losing the opening two games. The Orange Army needs 69 runs from 53 balls against Punjab Kings.

SRH will play their next game against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Saturday.