Umran Malik impresses Jammu & Kashmir legend Parvez Rasool

Umran Malik, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir made his debut against Kolkata Knight Riders and drew the attention of the audience when the speedometer clocked 150 kmph. The 21-year old bowler, who made his debut in a match where his team had little to lose, left everyone thunderstruck by his pace.

Parvez Rasool, the only cricketer from Jammu & Kashmir to play an international match for India, was impressed to see the growth and improvement in Umran. 

In a conversation with PTI he said, “He is a very talented boy. When I played him in the nets, he was quick. Woh bahot teekha thaa (he was pretty fast) but this was at a different level”. “He was literally hurrying the batters with sheer pace. I was very proud to see him hold his own at such a big stage,” added Rasool. 

Rasool said that the pace that Umran generates comes from the tennis ball cricket that Umran used to play before taking formal coaching. “The lightweight of the tennis ball means that to generate pace, you need that extra effort. This kid developed strength and pace by playing tennis ball games that he would play in and around Jammu”, reckoned Rasool. 

Umran is the fourth player from J&K to play in the Indian Premier League. Before him, Parvez Rasool, Rasikh Salam and Abdul Samad have played in the league.

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