Shoaib Akhtar, who has the record for the fastest delivery registered in cricket history, believes India’s Umran Malik can break the barrier but advised the pacer to manage workload.
Malik, the new pace bowling sensation from India, has earned himself admirers from all over the world. It only would’ve been a surprise if he didn’t impress the epitome of fast bowling, Shoaib Akhtar. The former Pakistan bowler said he would be happy if the 22-year-old breaks his record of the fastest delivery.
The pacer from Jammu and Kashmir has been one of the emerging players in the Indian Premier League 2022. He has bowled at rapid pace and has intimidated batters. He has gone for runs in few matches but on most occasions, he has been relentless.
The youngster, who was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the mega auction, has scalped 18 wickets from 12 matches in the IPL 2022. The right arm quick has consistently bowled at 150 kmph with multiple deliveries crossing the 155 kmph mark. Malik also has the fastest ball of the season to his name, having clocked 157 kmph.
Akhtar, who was the first bowler in history to break the 100-mile barrier, wants to see Umran join the club and possibly break the record of 161 kmph. Akhtar wishes that Umran remains injury-free and has a long career.
“There must be someone who can smash this record’. I will be happy if Umran breaks my record. But needs to ensure that he doesn’t get injured in the process. I want to see him playing for a long stretch without any injuries,”
he told Sportskeeda.
Akhtar added that the Indian management needs to look after Umran’s workload and provide him with the best tools to train at an advanced level.
“The BCCI and the youth academy need to take care of Umran’s workload. He now has to train scientifically in an advanced way. His bowling needs to be measured. During the offseason, Umran has to make sure that he trains double his workload. That will reduce the pressure of his workload,”
Akhtar added.
Umran has been receiving high praise from pundits and could be in line for an India call-up in the upcoming T20 series against South Africa.
