IPL 2022: I love to hit batsmen on their helmets, says Umran Malik

Umran Malik has created a buzz in this IPL with his pace. In an exclusive chat with TOI, he talks about his love for speed, his favourite mode of dismissals, his India dream and the tips he has got from SRH bowling coach Dale Steyn. Excerpts:When did you realize that you had this God-given gift to bowl fast?I realized this in 2018, when I was playing tennis-ball cricket. Whenever a team from Punjab came to Jammu, they used to call me, and I would win the match for my local side. After that, I appeared for the trials of the Jammu and Kashmir U-19 team and was selected. I would regularly practise with (Abdul) Samad (his J&K teammate). Samad bhai helped me a lot. He sent my bowling videos to the Sunrisers. SRH roped me in as a net bowler, and then I made it to the XI, which was a proud moment for me. Then I played matches and performed.

What about speed excites you?When someone tells me I'm bowling too slow, toh mere jazbaat jaag jaate hain (my emotions come to the fore). I start bowling faster. You have sent batsmen's stumps flying in this IPL. Is that the mode of dismissal you enjoy most?Yes, I love to castle batsmen. I love to hit batsmen on their helmet too. One, I feel that I've beaten the batsman with my pace, and secondly, once the batsman is scared, he doesn't try to hit you.

Read AlsoIPL 2022: Watch - 3 wickets, no runs - Speed gun Umran Malik sets IPL and the internet on fire with record equalling 20th over heroics

India's new speed gun Umran Malik has been breathing fire in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Bowling in the death overs is the most difficult task for a bowler and fast bowler Umran, who consistently bowls at 145- 150kph plus, handles that arduous task, seemingly with ease.

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