Srinagar: J&K pace sensation Umran Malik has said that he never followed Pakistan legend Waqar Younis and his idols in fast bowling belong to India.
Umran Malik who is set to make his Team India debut in T20’s went on to take 22 wickets for SunRisers Hyderabad in 14 games, including a fifer against Gujarat Titans during IPL 2022.
The pacer bowled consistently in the range of 150kmph and even bowled the second-fastest delivery of the season, at a speed of 157kmph.
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While everyone including Australia pacer Brett Lee had said that Umran resembles with Waqar Younis, the rising pace star has said he never followed former Pakistan cricketer.
“I have not followed Waqar Younis. I have a natural action. My idols include (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami and Bhuvneshwar (Kumar) bhai. I used to follow them when I was playing while coming through the ranks,” Umran told The Indian Express.
“There’s no point getting carried away. If it is destined to happen, it will Inshallah. I want to do my best for my country. I have got an opportunity in these five (T20I) matches (against South Africa). My goal will be that we win all five matches, I perform well and single-handedly win those games for India,” said the 22-year-old about not getting carried away.
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Umran Malik has played three first-class matches so far, taking seven wickets. Talking about T20s, he has played 22 games, taking 33 wickets at an average of 21.72 with an economy of 8.83.