Former India pace bowler Ashish Nehra was surprised that Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) did not give a chance to young pacer Umran Malik in the early stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. He made his IPL debut against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday in Dubai and impressed everyone with his pace and accuracy.

He is a rising talent from Jammu and Kashmir and was drafted into the SRH squad as a COVID-19 replacement for T Natarajan as well. While speaking about this, Nehra opined that SRH missed a trick by not playing him earlier.

“I am surprised SRH did not play Umran Malik earlier. He was brought in as T Natarajan’s replacement, who hasn’t taken part in the second half of IPL 2021 at all. SRH were struggling in the bowling department so I am wondering why they held him back, especially considering the pitches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi,” he said during an interaction on Cricbuzz.

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He continued: “Umran Malik definitely has pace, but that’s not all. His action is very smooth and, being from Kashmir, he is very strong. He is skiddy, and the way the ball left his hand was very impressive. Only time will tell how far he goes, but Umran Malik definitely has the X-factor; there is no doubt about that. I am highly impressed.”

Umran Malik has bowled four overs for 27 as well. While he went wicketless, his bowling troubled KKR’s batters with his extra pace also. Even, SRH captain Kane Williamson also praised Urman Malik for his good show in his first IPL match.

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Kane Williamson said about Umran Malik: “We have been facing him in the nets, and it’s quite something special. He’s got quite a lot of pace. For a young guy, he runs in and bowls fast. It’s amazing for him to get a chance tonight. He has been bowling in our nets for a couple of seasons now. It was a special occasion for him, and what a talent!”