IPL 2022: Remains to be seen how he performs with pressure of expectations – Wasim Jaffer on Umran Malik

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer reckons there is will be pressure of expectations on Umran Malik, who had impressed in the previous season of the Indian Premier League.

Malik was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 4 crores before the IPL 2022 mega auction.

The right-arm fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir had impressed with his raw pace and had bowled around 150 kmph to breathe down the neck of the opposition batters. Malik took two wickets in three matches for the Orange Army in the last season.

The 22-year old youngster has a solid bowling action and he will work under the tutelage of Dale Steyn in the upcoming season.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, the former batter commented: “Umran Malik was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad. It remains to be seen how he performs with the pressure of expectations, having been retained. He is somebody who bowls 150 clicks (kph). It will be really interesting to see how he turns up in the tournament this time.”

Sunrisers Hyderabad will face Rajasthan Royals in their opening clash of the season on March 29 at the MCA Stadium in Pune.

On the other hand, the former domestic giant is impressed with Punjab Kings fast bowler Arshdeep Singh. The youngster was also retained by the Mohali-based franchise and he has been right on the money with his death bowling for PBKS. Jaffer added that Arshdeep Singh’s graph has risen in the IPL.

“Arshdeep Singh’s graph has risen in the IPL over the last couple of seasons. Undoubtedly, he has been very impressive. He has bowled the important overs for Punjab Kings and has done really well, which is why he was retained. It will be interesting to see how he handles the pressure this time. I feel this season as well he will bowl those crucial overs, in the powerplay and at the death.”

The 23-year old Punjab bowler has taken 30 wickets in 23 IPL matches and he has bowled with an economy rate of 8.78. Singh has a good yorker as well as a slower ball under his repertoire and he is expected to get better with more experience.

Punjab Kings will begin their IPL campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai on 27th March.