WATCH: Umran Malik’s bowling action that has an uncanny resemblance to Waqar Younis
Only two games into his IPL career, Jammu & Kashmir’s uncapped Indian speedster Umran Malik has already made a name for himself.
Umran has impressed many with his pace and bounce, generating speeds in excess of 145 kmph. The bowler, in fact, clocked the 150-mark during his IPL debut on Sunday (October 3) for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – the quickest for an Indian bowler in IPL 2021.
Facing up against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Dubai, Umran returned with impressive figures of 0/27 in only the third domestic T20 game of his very young career.
The 21-year-old then backed that spell up with another fantastic outing against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Wednesday (October 6).
Umran took 1/21 off his four overs in Abu Dhabi, with the wicket of Srikar Bharat being his first IPL breakthrough.
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Umran Malik has grabbed everyone’s attention with his pace and bounce. (screengrab/IPLT20.com)
Umran Malik’s action resembles that of legendary Waqar Younis
Those who have seen him bowl closely, can’t help but find an uncanny resemblance in Umran Malik’s action with that of Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Waqar Younis.
This resemblance is even more evident when Umran’s bowling action is seen with a side-by-side clip of Waqar himself running in.
Yeah good spot by @SteelyDan66 about the similarity in action with Waqar. Also that was a good conversation in com box @alanwilkins22 , @SteelyDan66 & @bhogleharsha #IPL2021 #UmranMalik @mmbangwa pic.twitter.com/GV5Fud022m
— Jophin J (@j_jophin) October 6, 2021
Umran has the same hustle and approach to the bowling mark as Waqar did. He takes almost an identical side-on position to the Pakistani great before releasing his delivery in a very similar slingy arc towards the batter.
The SRH quick seems to have watched a lot of Waqar’s footage in his growing up days as a youngster in the valleys up north and is emulating him.
The similarity of the action between Umran and Waqar was spotted by former New Zealand quick Danny Morrison, who is doing commentary in IPL. Ex Zimbabwe bowler Pommie Mbangwa also highlighted the same during one of his stints in the comm box.
Only just starting his competitive career, Umran Malik will be mighty pleased with the words of praise coming his way after his first two games of IPL cricket.
The cricketer wouldn’t have even made his debut if not for T Natarajan’s Covid positive test recently.
Umran, who had only arrived in UAE as a net bowler for SRH, was added into their main playing squad as a short-term Covid-19 replacement when Natarajan was proven affected by the contagious virus.