'If he can swing the ball like Dale Steyn’ – RP Singh wants SRH pacer to take leaf out of Dale Steyn’s career

2007 T20 World Cup-winning pacer RP Singh made a rather blunt assessment of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) speedster Umran Malik. Notably, Umran was dropped from the set-up against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the previous clash following his underwhelming run in the ongoing IPL 2023.

The pacer was hammered for 22 runs in his solitary over against Delhi Capitals and failed to get any breakthroughs. Of the seven matches played in the ongoing season, the speedster has snared five wickets at a dismal economy of 10.35. 

Former India pacer RP Singh shared pearls of advice for the youngster, stating that the pacer should take a leaf out of SRH fast bowling coach Dale Steyn’s career. The former cricketer believes that adding variation to his arsenal will help the pacer going forward in his career in the long term.

“Yes, one can debate on how SRH have used Umran (Malik) this season, but even as a bowler you need to give that confidence to the captain that yes you can contribute towards the team. He has speed, and that is a big thing,” RP Singh told Hindustan Times.

“If he can swing the ball like Dale Steyn...Umran doesn't have that ability to swing the ball. The moment he manages to improve on that, maybe learn to bowl those cutters as well, he will be a different bowler altogether,” he added.

He further added that Umran’s sheer pace has given hope to the franchise to get the required breakthroughs in the matches. Last season, the pacer relished a terrific campaign as he got 22 scalps in 14 matches with his personal best being 5/25. However, the pacer has been unable to maintain his rhythm and instead has been leaking too many runs in the ongoing edition.

“When you are bowling at the speed of 150kmph, you become the go-to bowler for the team and captain would then expect you to take wickets in situations or conditions where no other bowler managed to get a breakthrough. And he did that last season, but that hasn't happened this time,” RP Singh added.