"Can increase his pace by extra 5 km/h if..."- Ex-IND bowling coach on how Umran Malik can break Shoaib Akhtar's fastest ball record

India has given Umran a consistent run in recent series, and he has done a pretty decent job with whatever opportunities he has had. More interestingly, he went on to break the Indian record for the fastest delivery in international cricket.

In the recently concluded white-ball series against Sri Lanka, he touched a speed of 156 km/h, which is the fastest by an Indian bowler. Meanwhile, former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun believes that a bowler can increase his pace by 5 km/h if he can work on his action and practise the special drills to raise the pace.

In an interview with News24sports, Arun said that there are bright chances that Umran can break the record of former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar's fastest delivery of 161 km/h. The former Indian bowling coach was asked whether Umran could break Akhtar's record.

Arun said, “If you work on your action, your line and length will get better and speed will increase as well. To increase the pace, drills can be helpful. Any bowler can increase the pace by 5 kmph easily with this kind of work (when questioned if he can break Akhtar's 161 kmph record).”

Akhtar bowled the fastest delivery in international cricket at a speed of 161 km/h against New Zealand in the 50-over format in April 2022. Akhtar bowled the fastest delivery in international cricket at a speed of 161 km/h against New Zealand in the 50-over format in April 2022.

Meanwhile, Umran bowled a delivery at 157 km/h in the last season of the Indian Premier League. He was part of two ODIs against Sri Lanka and took five wickets. If he can perform well consistently, then he can be a real asset for India for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India in September and October.

Furthermore, the former bowling coach also said that India needs to look after the 23-year-old because he can serve India for a long time. Arun said that he is a good find for India, and they need to nurture him. Umran will be seen in action in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on January 18.