Umran Malik to join India T20 WC team as net bowler

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer Umran Malik has become the talk of the town after he delivered the fastest ball in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). After that phenomenal ball, few formers cricketers like Wasim Jaffer, Aakash Chopra, and Lisa Sthalekar heaped praise on the latest pace sensation.

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RCB skipper Virat Kohli was also effusive in praise of Malik, who has consistently cranked up speeds of 150kmph. Now if certain reports are to be believed, then the pacer from Jammu and Kashmir has been told to stay back in UAE as a net bowler for team India during the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

"This tournament throws up talent every year, good to see a guy bowling at 150 clicks. It is important to understand the progress of individuals from here on," Kohli had said earlier this week.

Kohli further opined that seeing pace bowlers at full throttle is always an asset for the team and it is important to maximize their potential. "The pool of fast bowlers being strong is always a good sign for Indian cricket and whenever you see talent like this, you are going to have your eyes on them and make sure you maximize their potential, which is already being seen at the IPL level," he added.

After a rather dismal season, SRH had handed out opportunities to several of the youngsters in the team. Malik was also one of them. In just three games, the Jammu & Kashmir pacer impressed Kohli and now he will be with the team during the global event too.

According to a report in India Today, the pacer will join the bio-bubble as a net bowler. “Yes, Umran is staying back as he will join Team India bubble as a net bowler," a source close to the SRH franchise told.