IPL 2022: If he stays fit and bowls at this pace, he will be around for a long time – Sourav Ganguly on Umran Malik

The Board of Control for Cricket in India president Sourav Ganguly reckons if Umran Malik stays fit and continues to bowl at express pace, he will be around for a long time.

Malik has impressed with his extra pace and has bowled consistently above 145 kmph in the ongoing Tata IPL 2022.

The 22-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir scalped 22 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 20.18 and an economy rate of 9.03 in the ongoing season for Sunrisers Hyderabad. After his impressive show in the IPL, Malik was able to break into India’s 18-man squad for the five-match series against South Africa.

Malik was able to improve his accuracy and must have learned a lot after playing under the tutelage of Dale Steyn. The youngster will look to continue the good show and he still has a lot of learning to do.

Speaking on the sidelines of a promotional event on Tuesday, Ganguly said, “His future is in hands. If he stays fit and bowls at this pace, I’m sure he will be around for a long time.”

On the other hand, a lot of young talent has impressed in the ongoing season of the IPL. Batters like Tilak Varma, Rahul Tripathi, and Rahul Tewatia have done a fine job. Varma scored 397 matches in 14 matches for MI, Tripathi scored 413 runs in 14 matches for SRH and Tewatia has scored 217 runs in 12 innings for Gujarat Titans.

Ganguly added, “Many have played well in this IPL. Tilak (Varma) has done well for MI. Rahul (Tripathi) for Sunrisers, Tewatia for GT.

Meanwhile, bowlers like Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Arshdeep Singh have hogged the limelight in IPL 2022. Mohsin Khan has scalped 13 wickets in eight matches at an average of 13.23 and an economy rate of 5.93. Avesh has snared 17 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 21.88 and an economy rate of 8.51. Moreover, Arshdeep Singh has been right on the money with his yorkers and he took 10 wickets in 14 matches for PBKS.

“We have seen many emerging fast bowlers like Malik, Mohsin Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan… It’s a place where talent gets exposure,” he added.