India’s express fast bowler Umran Malik has received his maiden international cap ahead of the opening match against Ireland. Malik has received the cap number 98 and is all set to don the Indian jersey for the first time in his career.
Malik was a net bowler for the SunRisers Hyderabad in September 2021. At that time, T Natarajan tested positive for COVID-19, so Umran Malik got a place in the SRH squad. Since the Orange Army had no chances of qualifying for the IPL 2021 playoffs, they decided to try some unused players, and Malik got a chance to play three matches.
While the Jammu and Kashmir speedster could not take too many wickets in his debut series, he did enough to receive a contract worth 4 crore from the SunRisers Hyderabad for IPL 2022. Playing under Dale Steyn’s guidance in IPL 2022, Umran improved a lot and became India’s fastest bowler. He was soon called up to the Indian squad for the home series against the South African cricket team.
Malik warmed the benches in the five-match series against South Africa, but he has not got a chance to play against Ireland. Before the game, former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar had said:
“I hope so because he (Umran) is a very exciting talent. He did well in the IPL and he deserves a chance as he looked the best bowler in the format. I hope he is on the plane and I am sure he will do well if given an opportunity. He is young and raring to go. You must give an opportunity to someone who is in form.”
Fans on Twitter react as Umran Malik makes his India debut
It will be exciting to see how Umran Malik performs for India on his debut. Here are some of the top Twitter reactions:
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) June 26, 2022
Umran Malik to make his India debut in the first T20I against Ireland 🤩🧢🇮🇳
The wait is over! ⌛️
📸: BCCI#India #TeamIndia #IREvIND #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/PFiuF8nkwf
Finally his hardwork paid off. Congratulations umran Malik, make us proud. #UmranMalik #BCCI #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/KAcSO1w6Db
— Basim Basharat (@basim_basharat) June 26, 2022
150 KMPH Umran Malik making his International Debut with T20I against Ireland#IREvIND pic.twitter.com/TyodiehF7h
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) June 26, 2022
Ireland condition are perfect for him to debut
— Nilesh G (@oye_nilesh) June 26, 2022
Congratulations Umran Malik!
We'll witness some serious pace today!#IREvIND pic.twitter.com/VhUHLrufzQ
The moment we have been waiting for long time. ⌛
— TNN Sports (@TNNSports_) June 26, 2022
Umran Malik is all set for making T20I debut against @cricketireland at Malahide. 🧢#IREvIND | #UmranMalik | https://t.co/i3PcQ5xnYu pic.twitter.com/adKxCRISrg
Umran Malik makes his debut today and receives his cap from Bhuvneshwar Kumar
— Cricket Mirror (@Cricket_Mirror_) June 26, 2022
A proud moment for Umran Malik#UmranMalik#INDvIRE #IREvIND pic.twitter.com/ofE7wCjLpB
Congrats for your international debut Umran bhai👏🏻👏🏻 Accha perform karna❤️#UmranMalik #INDvsIRE pic.twitter.com/LqBMiUwnsJ
— Abdul Shuhaib (@imshuhaib18) June 26, 2022
Umran Malik makes his T20I debut. Second J&K player to play International T20 for India. What a moment for him.#INDvsIRE
— Farrago Abdullah (@abdullah_0mar) June 26, 2022
Umran malik making debut today, a dream comes true for this Youngster, he was the 98th player to represent India in T20I'S, and he gets the cap from SWING KING.#UmranMalik #IREvIND #INDvIRE pic.twitter.com/F50vp3FwS9
— Resanth. (@Cric_Resanth) June 26, 2022
Umran Malik’s “India soon” dream finally comes true! Can’t be more happier to see this guy, who wasn’t even considered good enough for local club teams just a few years back, making it to the highest level! Go well, Umran, make us proud! #IREvIND
— Mohsin Kamal (@64MohsinKamal) June 26, 2022
