IPL 2022: VVS Laxman reveals what Umran Malik needs to do to be successful at International level

Former Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman feels Umran Malik needs to stay grounded and handle himself off the field to be successful at the International level.

Malik has hogged the limelight as he has bowled with express pace and he has also shown an improvement in his accuracy.

Malik has consistently bowled above 145 kmph and he has breathed down the neck of the opposition batters. The gun fast bowler also clocked 156.9 kmph against Delhi Capitals, which is the fastest ball in the history of the IPL.

The fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir has scalped 15 wickets in 11 matches as he has bowled at the top of his game. The 22-year-old also returned with impressive figures of 5-25 against Gujarat Titans but his efforts went in vain.

“When you are playing at the highest level, very soon you realise that you have to control your actions (off the field). There will be so many advisors, so many expectations to fulfill but players who play at the highest level very soon cordon all that off and focus on what is to be done,” Laxman told reporters on the sidelines of a Dream Set Go event.

“I am sure Umran or anyone who plays for the country will learn that very soon. The sooner they learn that, they will be successful. So no need of bouncers (around him), it is important to bowl bouncers,” said Laxman.

On the other hand, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh feels Umran Malik is ready to make his International debut and he should be included in India’s T20 World Cup squad.

“He is my favorite. I want to see him in the Indian team. What a bowler he is. Name a pacer bowling at over 150 and not playing for the country. So I think this is a great thing. He will inspire many youngsters to take up this game, where has come from, and what he is doing in the IPL. He has been unbelievable. I don’t know if he will be selected or not but if I was part of the selection committee, I would have given him a go-ahead. Umran Malik should partner Jasprit Bumrah when India play in Australia,” said Harbhajan.

Malik has been a bit expensive in the last couple of matches and he will look to make a solid comeback. SRH will next face KKR at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Saturday.