IPL 2022: Nowhere near the finished article – Ian Bishop on Umran Malik

Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop believes Umran Malik is still a work in progress as he is nowhere near the finished article. Malik has impressed with his express pace in the ongoing IPL 2022 and he has hogged the limelight with his performances. The young fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir has also improved his accuracy.

Bishop feels Malik should be selected in India’s squad so that he learns while playing along with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. The fast bowler, who has bowled the fastest ball in the IPL history (157 kmph), has scalped 18 wickets in 12 matches while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Malik had also scalped his maiden five-wicket haul against Gujarat Titans but his efforts had gone in vain as SRH had lost that game.

The 22-year-old has bowled with an average of 22.05 and an economy of 9.02 in IPL 2022 and he will look to keep improving at the top level. The gun fast bowler has definitely shown the skills to go a long way if he stays on the right path.

Speaking to Sportstar, Ian Bishop said: “Malik’s pace distinguishes him from every other bowler around the country and beyond now. It has been heartening watching his control improve as the IPL has gone along. He is adding control and know-how to his skill set without losing velocity.”

The 54-year-old added: “He seems to be a quick learner and a very hard worker who is not overawed by the boundary hitting power of the modern batsman. He gets hit for boundaries and keeps running in harder. That is a great attitude to have. It helps to have a short memory in the T20 format as a fast bowler.”

“Forget the inevitable bad over or bad games as quickly as possible and keep striving for a good performance with a smile and joy. It is important though to acknowledge that Malik is still a work in progress. He is nowhere near the finished article.”

On the other hand, Bishop showered praise on Arshdeep Singh, who has been magnificent with his death bowling. Singh has consistently nailed his yorkers and he has bowled with an economy rate of 7.82. The left-arm seamer has taken 10 wickets in 13 matches for PBKS in IPL 2022.

“Arshdeep has good accuracy and a great feel for knowing when to bowl what type of delivery. The control he has of his yorker and change of pace is brilliant. So, knowing when to use a specific delivery or change of pace and length is what makes him stand out.”

Ian Bishop continued: “A bowler can have a lot of variation, but he must know when to use it and have control of the delivery, especially when bowling at the end phase of the innings. He has a great feel for what a batsman is trying to do.”

Both Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh are soon expected to play for India.