Umran Malik focused on performing well for India

When it comes to the hallowed likes of pace, India has a few rising sensations in their ranks that can play the gamechanger in the upcoming days. One of the biggest names doing the rounds in recent times has been that of Umran Malik, an unheralded talent from Jammu and Kashmir who rose quickly through the ranks, relying on searing pace and now is being discussed as one of the mainstays of the team.

Now whenever someone is being praised about his speed in the ever-demanding arcade of cricket, a natural comparison with Shoaib Akhtar comes to the fore given the fact that the latter bossed speed guns at will throughout the world.

However, Umran Malik wants to stay humble and is more focused about getting the job done for the Indian cricket team. During an interview with News 24, Umran Malik said, “Right now, I'm only thinking about performing well for the country. If I do well, and if I'm lucky, I'll break that (Shoaib Akhtar’s record of the fastest delivery). But I don't think about it at all.”

He further added, “You don't get to realise how fast you've bowled during the match. It's only when we come back after the game when we get to know how fast I was. During the game, my only focus is on bowling in the right areas and picking wickets.”

Umran has been a consistent performer in terms of pace and has even dished out a string of impressive spells that earned him praises from virtuosos of the craft like Dale Steyn. Only time shall reveal how he steps up his game but as things stand, an element of promise burns bright for the youngster.