IPL 2023: Virender Sehwag criticizes Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Umran Malik’s lack of length despite working with Dale Steyn
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ended their dismal run in the Indian Premier League 2023 after suffering a defeat at the hands of Mumbai Indians (MI) in match number 69. With nothing to play for in their last league match, SRH fans were expecting a more determined performance from their team. Despite posting a decent score of 200/5 in the first innings, the Aiden Markram-led side lacked effectiveness with their bowling which helped MI chase down the target by 8 wickets in just 18 overs.
SRH were asked to bat first after losing the toss. Despite his poor form in the last seven matches of the season, the team decided to include Umran Malik in the playing XI. Unfortunately, the young pacer continued to struggle, conceding 41 runs in three overs.
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag criticized Malik for his inconsistent line and length, insisting that such mistakes should have been rectified by now under the guidance of bowling coach Dale Steyn.
“If it was a South African fast bowler, I could understand that he would not want to bowl a lot. But Umran Malik… the problem is that he keeps changing his length. He doesn’t have the experience yet. He may have worked a lot with Dale Steyn, but he has no idea of his length. Despite working with Steyn for so long and learning under him, he is making the same mistakes he made last year,” Sehwag told Cricbuzz
Sehwag further expressed his disappointment over SRH’s bowling performance, insisting that taking wickets was the team’s only option to defend a total of 200 against Mumbai. However, SRH bowlers failed to contain the runs and were unable to make significant breakthroughs. The Jammu pacer had a disappointing IPL 2023 campaign, managing to pick only five wickets in eight matches.