‘This year, he needed your support, but did he get that?’ - Yusuf Pathan lambasts Sunrisers Hyderabad over handling of Umran Malik

In the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League, ace pacer Umran Malik has only represented Sunrisers Hyderabad in seven matches before getting dropped. Notably, even though the results have gone against the Aiden Markram-led side even after taking that measure, the team management is yet to trust him again with the ball and he has been spotted warming the bench in the last few matches. 

When asked about the reason behind the same, head coach Brian Lara spoke about his poor form and hence things are looking quite grim for the pacer.

Talking about the same, former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan didn't mince his words as he criticised the team management for not backing Umran this season. He added that the cricketer did his all in the last edition and the team took all the credit and when he is struggling this season, SRH hasn't backed him but rather dropped him from the playing XI.

“Last year, Umran Malik performed really well, and you all took credit for that. But this year, he needed your support. But did he get that? Was he utilised properly? He is a young bowler, he is India's future. And he has played well for India whenever he turned up in international colours. You haven't used him properly, and the same can be said for many players in the franchise,” Yusuf Pathan told ESPNcricinfo.

“You should know when to back your players. If you talk about Abhishek Sharma... you played him as an opener last year and he did well. But this year, you juggled with his batting positions and even benched him at one point. You're supposed to play with opposition's mind, not with your own players'!” the 40-year-old added.

Notably, Sunrisers Hyderabad will face Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians in their remaining games. Now, with them already out of the playoffs race, the team can give opportunities to players like Malik and Mayank Agarwal, who are currently out of the XI.