IPL 2023: X-Factor of Sunrisers Hyderabad

image-lftsobozUmran Malik after taking a wicket in the IPL (Source:Twitter)

There are few things in cricket, that can produce the kind of excitement that a genuine fast bowler produces when he or she comes steaming in from their mark to fire those fast bullets at the batter. A speedster who can bowl consistently over 150 kph is just a rare asset in cricket and whenever such bowler comes through, the whole world tends to notice that talent. The latest name in that list is - UMRAN MALIK! 

Thus, when Sunrisers Hyderabad start off their campaign against Rajasthan Royals on 2nd of April, Umran Malik would be their biggest weapon - 'The X-Factor of the Men in Orange.' They have formed a well-rounded unit for the IPL 2023 with plenty of impact players like Aiden Markram, Harry Brook but Umran Malik stands out of the lot.

Why Umran Malik?

Umran Malik brings with him the 'OOMPH' Factor! He has sheer pace in his arsenal and that can be a crucial aspect in varied situations and conditions against the best of the batters. The pitches in the IPL are expected to be good for batting as it is often the case in T20Is and Umran with his rapid pace has the ability to take the pitches out of the equation.

Also, he has shown in the last year or so that he is a genuine wicket-taker and picked 22 wickets in 14 games in IPL 2022, often playing the role of middle-over enforcer for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Umran Malik also has the ability to run through the opposition when he is on song, and it is this rare ability to create something for his side when the chips are down, is what makes him an x-factor for his team.

India Experience and Increasing Maturity

Also, a big factor that goes in Umran Malik's favour is the experience he has gained over the course of last year by being a regular part of Indian white-ball sides.  He has now played 8 ODIs and 8 T20Is for India and has picked wickets whenever he has got an opportunity and surely the experience of being part of the national side would have made him more assured and confident of his skillset.

The first two seasons were big learning curves for the speedster where it was all about him gaining that experience and improving as a bowler. However, he is an experienced cricketer now and this could well be the breakthrough season for the Jammu-born charismatic cricketer.  

He surely has that aura around him that can create doubts in the mind of the best of the batters if he finds he groove.  He bowled over 155 kph on many occasions and you never know, we might see him breaking Shoaib Akhtar's record of the fastest ball in cricket history. So, hold your breath, and watch the speedster unleash his rapid bullets in the IPL 2023!