Umran Malik, the name that went viral since he made his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2022 season, finally got a chance to showcase his skills for the country on Sunday (June 26). Malik, who was the fastest Indian bowler in the cash-rich league this season, received his maiden cap from veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar ahead of India’s first T20I against Ireland in the village of Dublin. The Indian pacer got his first international call-up for India’s tour of South Africa 2022, but did not find a place in the playing XI.
Now, as Hardik Pandya leads the second-line Indian team against Ireland, Umran has got a chance to shine on foreign soil for the Men in Blue. The right-arm pacer was coached by South African pace legend Dale Steyn during the IPL 2022 season and with his pace, it will be interesting to see what he can do in the Indian colours.
Soon after the BCCI announced that Umran Malik had received his maiden cap, fans on social congratulated the sharp sensation and expressed their excitement to see the 22-year-old play for India.
See reactions here…
Hearty congratulations!
Proud moment for Umran Malik and his family!
It is an equally big moment for Kashmiri youth aspiring to represent India.
Take away Umran!
We want the stumps to get fort at over 160kmph… – Shahab Jaffrey (@shahabJafri 55) 26 June 2022
Big for them, huge for Indian cricket. Praise ! — (@GautamSodhi1) 26 June 2022
A dangerous guess! There may be a legend in the making! Time will tell. — davinder sodhi (@davinsodhi) 26 June 2022
Best wishes on your debut match Umran Malik
— anjali (@imAnjalii718) 26 June 2022
Need for Speed ft. @BCCI— from Sidhu (@Azsidhu) 26 June 2022
Coming into the match, Team India captain Hardik Pandya won the toss against Ireland in the first T20I of the two-match series and opted to bowl first. Only Umran Malik is making his debut for India in the first T20I as Arshdeep Singh and Rahul Tripathi are still waiting for that Indian cap. The future of Indian cricket looks bright with so much talent and depth within the country that India can field two teams across the globe and still waiting for their chance to prove some talent like Sanju Samson, Tripathi and others. Will have to do