Former Indian speedster Zaheer Khan is not happy with the way Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) dealt with their fast-bowling sensation Umran Malik.
Malik appeared in just seven out of the 13 matches SRH have played this season, where he picked up five wickets.
His performance graph has drastically gone down compared to last season, when he announced his arrival at the topmost level of Indian cricket with 22 wickets in 14 matches.
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His impressive performance for his IPL franchise was rewarded with a national team call-up as he made his ODI and T20I debut in 2022.
But this season, he has not been able to perform the way he was expected to and Zaheer Khan blamed SRH for handling his situation poorly.
What did Zaheer Khan say about Umran Malik's omission?
Speaking on JioCinema, Khan opined,
I think Umran Malik has not been handled well by the franchise with the way his services should have been utilised by SRH and that has been evident.
When you are talking about a young seamer, you are also looking at creating that environment and support. That (kind of) guidance is required. Unfortunately, that was not seen from SRH and that is why he has had the season the way he had.
How has Umran Malik performed in IPL?
Malik made his IPL debut for SRH in 2021 and appeared in just three matches in his debut season where he picked up two wickets. The succeeding season proved to be the breakthrough year for the speedster as he played all 14 games of SRH and picked 22 wickets.
Against Delhi Capitals, he nearly touched a record 157 kph with the ball, which is the fastest delivery in the tournament's history.
Overall, the fast bowler has played 29 matches in the IPL thus far where he managed to pick 29 wickets.
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