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‘Want to single-handedly win games for India’ – Umran Malik reveals ambitions ahead of T20I series vs South Africa

Umran Malik was the talk of the town for his sheer pace throughout this year’s Indian T20 League. His spells were instrumental as they ensured that the Hyderabad-based franchise enjoyed a five-match winning streak in the middle phase of the tournament.

Umran bagged 22 wickets in 14 matches for his team at an economy of 9.03. As the tournament went on, his pace got better in every match. His fastest delivery was at 157 kmph against the Delhi franchise on May 5 2022. However, his record was broken by Gujarat’s Lockie Ferguson against Rajasthan by bowling a delivery at 157.3 kmph.

Now in an exclusive interview with Indian Express, He opened up about his ambition as he is in the India squad for the upcoming T20I home series against South Africa.

"There's no point getting carried away. I want to do my best for my country. I have got an opportunity in these 5 T20I matches vs SA. My goal will be that we win all 5 matches, I perform well & single handedly win those matches for India." – Umran Malik (To Indian Express)

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) June 6, 2022

His stellar performance in this year’s Indian T20 League earned him a maiden call to the National set-up ahead of this series. He is tipped to get a debut chance in this series to showcase his talent in the International arena. Speaking with Indian Express, he said that he wants to do his best for the country by winning matches single-handedly.

“There’s no point getting carried away. I want to do my best for my country. I have got an opportunity in these 5 T20I matches vs SA. My goal will be that we win all 5 matches, I perform well & single-handedly win those matches for India,” said Umran Malik. Further on, he drew light on his idols. 

“I have not followed Waqar Younis. I have a natural action. My idols Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar bhai. I used to follow them when I was playing while coming through the ranks,” he added.

Umran also added that he wants to win all five matches by performing well individually for the team. Team India is scheduled to host the Proteas for a five-match T20I series from 9 June 2022. Thus, it will be exciting to see if the speedster from Jammu and Kashmir makes his international debut in this series itself.