‘Don’t rest him in every second game’ – Former Australia speedster comes up with Umran Malik related advice for Rahul Dravid and Co.

Brett Lee issued Umran Malik related advice (Source: Twitter)

Since debuting in the Indian T20 League a few seasons ago, Umran Malik has consistently garnered media attention. Perhaps India’s fastest bowler, Malik, debuted in ODI and T20I matches last year. He has received great ratings from all due to his constant ability to exceed the 150 km/h level. Although his international career hasn’t gotten off to a fast start, he is good enough to be one of the captains of India’s ever-expanding speed attack. Surprisingly, the right-arm bowler didn’t play in any of the three ODI matches against Australia.

To be fair, it was challenging to play skipper Rohit Sharma before Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj. Yet in the lone game in which India fielded a third seam specialist, they chose to rely on Shardul Thakur’s expertise.

‘We must manage him (Umran Malik) correctly’ – Brett Lee

Brett Lee, a former fast bowler for Australia and one of the fastest bowlers in history, recommended that India frequently play Umran Malik in all three formats.

“Umran Malik is a wonderful bowler. He is a special talent. If his workload is taken care of properly, he will do wonders,” Lee said. “I believe he (Umran) can play all three formats of the game. We must manage him correctly.”

“The best way to manage him correctly is to allow him to bowl, give him as many games as possible, don’t rest him in every second game. Just don’t let him go into the gym more and lift heavy weights. He should do light muscle mass in the gym, which is important for him. He should work on his sprinting and obviously his core strengthening,” Lee added.

Malik has thus far represented India in 8 ODIs and 8 T20Is, taking 13 and 11 wickets, respectively. He hasn’t yet been selected for a Test match. Lee gave the Indian team’s management—captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid—advice to ensure the player works on his sprint and engages in core strength training.

The next time Malik will play will be in the Indian T20 League in 2023, when he set a record for the fastest ball by an Indian bowler. He will represent the Hyderabad franchise, which will play the Rajasthan team on April 2 to open their season.