Umran Malik must be groomed through a systematic process, says MSK Prasad

Umran Malik must be groomed through a systematic process, says MSK Prasad: Former Indian chief national selector, MSK Prasad expressed his views on the recent call for the inclusion of young Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer, Umran Malik on the Indian national side following his success in the ongoing Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) season fifteen. 

MSK Prasad reckons Umran Malik should be given proper cricketing exposure before drafting him on the national side. A full domestic season coupled with a few A tours would help the pacer understand his game better.

It’s important to note that, Umran Malik has been outstanding in the Tata IPL 2022. His impactful performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have received praise from cricket pundits. The 22-year old Kashmir pacer has the knack for consistently bowling 150 clicks, which has become his major strength.

The pacer recently bowled the fastest delivery of the Tata IPL 2022 clocking 157 KPH playing against Delhi Capitals, a few days ago.

MSK Prasad in a conversation with The Federal said that the learning element in the journey of the pacer shouldn’t be omitted in order to fast-track his selection to the Indian national team.

“I feel Umran Malik should be groomed through a systematic process rather than fast-tracking into the Indian team,” MSK Prasad told The Federal.

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He further cited that Mohammad Siraj went through a complete process of the domestic circuit and Malik should follow a similar trajectory.

“I know that clicking 150 kph-plus is never easy. But if you pick him for international duty and if he doesn’t do well, he will be dejected and will be nowhere. So, a full season of domestic cricket and a couple of India A tours will help him to develop into a good bowler similar to Mohammed Siraj,” he added.

“Siraj bowled very well in his first full Test tour to Australia. He could do that because he had gained the experience of red-ball cricket by picking close to 50 wickets for India A. I know that very few people have that ability (to bowl 150 kph-plus).”

The former selector explained how gaining experience in the domestic series will help the pacer in the longer run. 

“By grooming him through a process, there are chances that he will serve Indian cricket for a longer period. At the moment, I am really enjoying watching him. Credit should be given to the Sunrisers Hyderabad team management because they backed him,” Prasad added.

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