Bhuvneshwar Kumar gives the credit to IPL for Umran Malik's debut

Team India speedster Bhuvneshwar Kumar has credited the Indian Premier League for young pace sensation Umran Malik's debut for India in T20I cricket. Malik made headlines during the 2022 edition of the IPL because of his stunning speed and accuracy and stole the limelight while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The 22-year-old earned the maiden India call-up after his performance in the IPL and received his India cap ahead of the 1st T20I against Ireland from his India teammate and veteran pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar. India ended up winning the first T20I convincingly by seven wickets.

"Umran and other youngsters from around the world have made their debut because of the IPL which is great," Bhuvneshwar Kumar said after the match.

However, Umran Malik had a great outing in the recent IPL 2022, picking up 22 wickets in his 14 outings for Sunrisers Hyderabad. As a result, he became overall the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the 2022 season and the leading wicket-taker for Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

His impressive performance opened the door to the Indian dressing room as the BCCI added him to the squad for the home T20I series against South Africa.

Although Malik didn't get the chance to make his debut against South Africa, he was included in the Indian squad for the two-match T20I series against Ireland. And, in his debut match, wearing the India colours, the fast bowler bowled only one over as he gave away 14 runs.

Meanwhile, pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck early after the captain Hardik Pandya put Ireland into bat after winning the toss. The veteran pace bowler took one wicket and conceded 16 runs in his three overs, including a maiden over.

While talking about his performance, Bhuvneshwar Kumar expressed: "There was swing with the new ball, it got better after 5-6 overs. Thought it would get harder with the moisture, but didn't. It's good to bowl Test match line and length. Glad it worked out. We get good support wherever we go."

Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal, who won the Player of the Match award, has shared how difficult it was to bowl in the match due to the cold weather. He bowled three overs, gave away 11 runs, and picked up a wicket.

He said: "Very difficult (in these cold conditions). I felt like a finger spinner today (smiles). Sometimes it's hard but you have to adapt to every condition. He (Hardik) gave liberty to bowl whatever I want to bowl. Atmosphere is pretty chilled. No I'm not okay I'm wearing three sweaters right now."

India will play the second T20I against Ireland on June 28 in Dublin.