Give Umran Malik as many games as possible, don’t rest him in every second game: Brett Lee

Umran Malik. (Photo Source: BCCI)

Since making his debut in the IPL a few seasons ago, Umran Malik has consistently garnered attention from the media. Malik, perhaps India’s fastest bowler, debuted in ODI and T20I tournaments last year. Though his international career hasn’t exactly gotten off to a fast start, he has the potential to lead India’s pace attack in the years to come.

Umran Malik has been lauded by one and all for his ability to clock the ball over 150 km/h on a consistent basis. While representing the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2022, he bagged the award for bowling the fastest delivery of the contest in almost every game that he played. That is what attracted the selectors’ attention, and handed him his international call-up.

But unfortunately, the youngster was unable to find his place in the team’s playing combination in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia, which irked former Australian legend Brett Lee. Malik was benched throughout the three games as Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj featured in all three games, and Shardul Thakur was given a chance ahead of Malik in the one game where India fielded three pacers.

Brett Lee was of the opinion that the Indian side should give Malik a chance on a regular basis, to showcase his skills across formats, instead of resting him every now and then.

“Umran Malik is a wonderful bowler. He is a special talent. If his workload is taken care of properly, he will do wonders. I believe he (Umran) can play all three formats of the game. We must manage him correctly,” Lee told The Times of India.

He should work on his sprinting and obviously his core strengthening: Lee

Malik has thus far represented India in 8 T20Is and as many ODIs, taking 11 and 13 wickets, respectively. Lee believes that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid should make sure that Malik works on his sprint and engages in core strength training, which would help him develop as a fine pacer in the future.

“The best way to manage him correctly is to allow him to bowl, give him as many games as possible, don’t rest him in every second game. Just don’t let him go into the gym more and lift heavy weights. He should do light muscle mass in the gym which is important for him. He should work on his sprinting and obviously his core strengthening,” he added.