‘Umran Malik wasn’t handled well’ - Irfan Pathan slams SRH for leaving out speedster for third consecutive game

Former India pacer Irfan Pathan was left baffled after Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) speedster was once again confined to the sidelines against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Saturday, May 13. Notably, Krunal Pandya’s LSG won by seven wickets as the loss further dented SRH’s chances of making it to the playoffs of the IPL 2023.

The Jammu & Kashmir-born speedster, who is known to hit the deck hard at 150kmph on a consistent basis, has failed to get too many opportunities in the ongoing season. Shortly after the team announcement during the toss, former cricketer Irfan took to his Twitter handle as he was stunned with the treatment of the pacer.

Irfan Pathan@IrfanPathan

League’s fastest bowler sitting out baffles me. Umran Malik wasn’t handled well by his team.

07:15 PM · May 13, 2023

9.5K395

“League’s fastest bowler sitting out baffles me. Umran Malik wasn’t handled well by his team,” tweeted Irfan Pathan.

Umran last featured in the orange outfit during the match against Delhi Capitals on April 29 in Delhi. Since then, the speedster has been dropped from three consecutive games in the group phase. In seven appearances, Umran has nabbed five wickets at an underwhelming average economy of 10.35.

SRH one step away from elimination

Speaking about their campaign, Aiden Markram’s SRH are placed ninth on the IPL Points Table with eight points in 11 matches at a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.471. The orange outfit would manage to obtain 14 overall points considering they win their remaining three fixtures.

However, their chances took a hit following the loss against LSG and they are now reliant on results of other teams' fixtures. Markram and Co. are all set to square off against defending champions Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday, May 15.

The side will need to win their remaining fixtures comprehensively and better their NRR and further rely on the results of the franchises above them. However, even one loss from hereon will officially see them out of contention for the playoffs.