IPL 2023: “Never reduce your aggression”, Shoaib Akhtar advises Umran Malik

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar is considered as one of the most aggressive pacers in the history of World cricket. Shoaib has come up with vital advice for Team India’s young pace sensation Umran Malik.

Shoaib Akhtar currently holds the world record for bowling the fastest delivery in the history of world cricket. Akhtar bowled a 161 kmph delivery against England during the 2003 World Cup and nobody has broken his record since then.

IPL 2023: Shoaib Akhtar wants Umran Malik to always bowl fast

Team India’s young pacer Umran Malik always often becomes the talk of the town for his aggressive pace bowling. Veteran pacer Shoaib Akhtar likes Umran Malik’s aggressive bowling and wants him to never reduce his aggression.

“Umran Malik is very good. He is very strong and has a powerful run-up. He has nice arm speed. You saw when he struck Shanaka, it was ruthless bowling. So Umran, bowl courageously and learn the art of bowling quickly. Learn the technical aspect,” Shoaib Akhtar said on News24.

“Never reduce your aggression, even if you are getting beaten a lot, then also don’t reduce your aggression. Always bowl fast, and never leave it. When you go to the field, the ownership of the ground has to be yours. Don’t break and train a lot,” the former Pakistan pacer added.

Interestingly, Shoaib urged Umran Malik to break his world record as it hasn’t been broken for the last 20 years. On the other hand, Umran Malik holds the record for bowling fastest delivery ever bowled by an Indian bowler as he clocked 155 kmph against Sri Lanka earlier this year in January.

The young pacer has till now played 8 ODIs for the Men in Blue and has grabbed 13 wickets. However, his economy rate is slightly on the higher side as he has conceded 6.45 runs per over.

Umran Malik is a part of the Indian squad against Australia for the three-match ODI series. He will look to cash all the opportunities he gets before the ICC ODI World Cup which will be played in October-November to strengthen his case in front of the Indian selectors.