Umran Malik: The Rising Speed Sensation of Indian Cricket – Teams, Stats & 5 Shocking Moments
**Let's Begin**
Umran Malik, the fiery fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir, has taken the cricketing world by storm with his searing pace. Dubbed the "Jammu Express," Malik frequently records speeds exceeding 150 km/h, making him one of the most intriguing emerging prospects in Indian cricket.
In this blog piece, we’ll explore: - Umran Malik’s cricket journey and teams
- The amount of players in his current team - **5 most memorable and surprising moments** of his career - His future chances in international cricket
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## **Umran Malik’s Cricket Journey & Teams**
### **Early Life and Domestic Career** Born on **November 22, 1999**, in Jammu, Umran Malik climbed through the levels of local cricket before making his **Indian Premier League (IPL)** debut with **Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)** in **2021** as a short-term COVID replacement. His raw speed instantly drew the eye of fans and selectors.
### **Teams He Represents** 1. **Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL)** – Debuted in 2021, became a regular in 2022.
2. **Jammu & Kashmir (Domestic Cricket)** - Plays in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
3. **India National Cricket Team** – Made his international debut in **June 2022** against Ireland.
### **Current Squad (India & IPL)** As of **2024**, Umran Malik is part of: - **Indian T20I & ODI squads** (when picked)
- **Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL)**, which boasts a **25-player squad** (including international talents like Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen).
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## **5 Most Memorable & Shocking Moments of Umran Malik’s Career**
### **1. Record-Breaking 157 km/h Delivery in IPL 2022 (Fastest Ball in Tournament History)** In **IPL 2022**, Umran Malik startled the globe when he bowled a **157 km/h thunderbolt** against Delhi Capitals. This became him the **fastest Indian bowler ever in IPL history**, shattering previous records held by Dale Steyn and Lockie Ferguson.
- **Match:** SRH against DC, May 5, 2022 - **Batsman:** Rovman Powell (who barely managed to defend) - **Impact:** The delivery went viral, with veterans like Brett Lee applauding his raw speed.
### **2. Hat-Trick for Jammu & Kashmir in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021**
Before his IPL stardom, Umran introduced himself in domestic cricket with a **hat-trick** in the **Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021** against **Puducherry**.
- **Victims:** Sagar Trivedi, Sagar Udeshi, and Pankaj Singh - **Speed:** Consistently bowled **145+ km/h** in the match - **Significance:** Proved he wasn’t only an IPL marvel but a real domestic talent.
### **3. Maiden India Call-Up & T20I Debut against Ireland (June 2022)** After a spectacular IPL 2022 (22 wickets), Umran won his **maiden India call-up** for the **T20I series vs Ireland**.
- **Debut Match:** June 26, 2022 - **Performance:** Took **1/42** but impressed with his aggressiveness - **Why Shocking?** Many believed he was hurried into international cricket too soon, generating controversies.
### **4. 5-Wicket Haul versus Sri Lanka in 2023 – Proving His Worth**
After initial troubles in international cricket, Umran silenced doubters with a **fiery 5/25** against Sri Lanka in a **T20I (January 2023)**.
- **Key Dismissals:** Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga
- **Match Impact:** Helped India defend a low total, indicating he could manage pressure.
### **5. Being Dropped from IPL 2024 Playing XI - A Controversial Decision**
Despite his speed, Umran was **benched for much of IPL 2024** by SRH, raising issues about club management’s faith in him.
- **Reason?** Inconsistent line and length, economy rate above **10+ in prior seasons** - **Fan Reaction:** Outrage on social media, with many demanding his return.
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## **Future Prospects: Can Umran Malik Become India’s Next Pace Star? **
Umran Malik has the **potential** to be India’s **next great fast bowler**, but he needs:
✔ **Better control over line & length** ✔ **More opportunities in international cricket** ✔ **Guidance from top pacers like Bumrah & Shami**
If he refines his talents, he might be a **key weapon in the 2024 T20 World Cup and beyond**.
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## **Conclusion** Umran Malik’s path from a net bowler to a **international speedster** has been exhilarating. While he has had ups and downs, his **raw speed and wicket-taking ability** make him a must-watch talent.
**Will he become India’s quickest bowling legend? Only time shall tell!**
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