Indian cricket’s latest pace sensation, Umran Malik, who took the IPL by storm in 2022 with his lightning-fast deliveries, is now facing a challenging phase in his career. Despite his initial success, Malik’s recent performances have raised concerns, and he was notably released from the upcoming Duleep Trophy squad. Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey has now shed light on the reasons behind Malik’s sudden decline.
Umran Malik’s Meteoric Rise
Umran Malik’s journey to fame began with the IPL 2022 season, where he became a household name for Sunrisers Hyderabad by taking 22 wickets. His express pace, often clocking over 150 KPH, caught the attention of cricket fans and selectors alike. This led to his inclusion in the Indian national team, where he played 18 matches and took 24 wickets. The highlight of his career came in January 2023, when he bowled the fastest delivery ever by an Indian, reaching a speed of 156 KPH in an ODI against Sri Lanka.
However, after such a promising start, Malik’s career trajectory has taken a downward turn. His performances in the subsequent IPL seasons have been inconsistent, and in IPL 2024, he played only one match, where he bowled just one over, conceding 15 runs.
Challenges in Red-Ball Cricket
One of the most significant factors contributing to Malik’s struggles, according to Paras Mhambrey, is his lack of experience in red-ball cricket. Speaking to the Indian Express, Mhambrey pointed out that while Malik’s entry into the spotlight came through the IPL, his limited exposure to the longer formats of the game has hampered his development as a bowler.
“Umran is a classic case of someone who has not played enough red-ball cricket,” Mhambrey stated. “He came to the reckoning through the IPL, which involves just 24 balls in a game. Sometimes, you don’t even get to bowl all 24 balls. The pressure of bowling in T20 cricket is not comparable to that in red-ball cricket. I feel that T20 is not the right format to judge a prospect fully.”
Mhambrey emphasized the importance of playing Ranji Trophy and other red-ball formats to understand the nuances of bowling. “The moment you play a season of red-ball cricket, you will truly understand your bowling. Physically, you will be tested in different phases of the game, and sometimes, you’ll have to be on the field for six sessions. To maintain that intensity, especially in the last session, is a challenge that every bowler needs to go through,” he added.
Health Setbacks and Missed Opportunities
Adding to Malik’s woes is his recent illness, which has kept him out of the Duleep Trophy squad, potentially delaying his return to the Indian team. Alongside Malik, Mohammed Siraj has also been battling health issues, making both pacers unavailable for the prestigious tournament starting on September 5, 2024.
The Road Ahead for Umran Malik
Despite the recent setbacks, Umran Malik’s talent and potential are undeniable. His speed and ability to generate fearsome deliveries make him a valuable asset for Indian cricket. However, as Mhambrey suggested, to harness this potential fully, Malik needs to invest more time in red-ball cricket. This experience will not only improve his technical skills but also build his stamina and mental toughness, essential attributes for a fast bowler.
As Indian cricket looks forward to upcoming challenges, the cricketing fraternity hopes that Umran Malik can overcome these obstacles and return to the form that made him one of the most exciting prospects in recent years. His journey serves as a reminder that while T20 cricket can catapult a player to fame, the real test of a cricketer lies in the longer formats of the game.
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