Umran Malik has been selected as Sunrisers Hyderabad’s substitute for left-arm pacer T Natarajan, who screened positive for COVID-19 a few days ago. The virus infected the left-arm pacer ahead of SRH’s 2nd-leg match versus Delhi Capitals. Vijay Shankar and 5 other supporting members of staff were also listed as close contacts and isolated with him.
Umran on the other hand, is a temporary replacement for Natarajan and will only be with the team till the pacer heals from the virus and returns to the bubble. To join the bio-bubble, the player who tests positive for COVID-19 must screen negative results twice on the 9th and 10th day, according to the protocols.
Interesting to see whether SRH gives Umran Malik an opportunity in the playing XI
Umran Malik was already in the UAE with the SRH squad as a net bowler and was eager to participate in the team. He is a domestic cricketer for Jammu and Kashmir and has performed List A and a T20 match so far. Umran produced statistics of 3/24 in his 4 overs in the solitary T20 game he performed versus Bengal previously this year. He’s also an all-rounder, so it’ll be interesting to see whether SRH gives him an opportunity in the playing XI.
Squad Update: Umran Malik, a fast bowler from Jammu & Kashmir, who was with the #Risers as a net bowler, has been added to the squad as a short-term COVID replacement for T Natarajan. #OrangeArmy #OrangeOrNothing #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/0erUIJLPgg
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) September 24, 2021
SRH had a disappointing opening leg of the IPL. They’d lost 6 of their previous 7 games and needed to find a way to win soon. However, against the table-topping Delhi Capitals, Kane Williamson’s side was unable to get off to a good start. After electing to bat first, none of their batters were able to maintain the innings, and they were finally reduced to 134/9 in 20 overs.
Despite their best efforts to limit the star-studded DC line-up, the bowlers were unable to protect the total. This was SRH’s 7th loss of the season, and they must now win all 6 of their remaining games. Even though, it won’t be enough if more teams earn 16 points in terms of qualifying.
