Fast bowler Umran Malik, who once set the Indian Premier League (IPL) alight with his blistering pace, is now in the midst of a crucial phase of his career. After a challenging IPL 2024 season, where he bowled just one over across the entire tournament, Malik is focused on regaining his rhythm and earning back the trust of India’s team management, especially captain Rohit Sharma.
Umran’s journey in professional cricket has been a rollercoaster. The 24-year-old speedster from Jammu & Kashmir burst onto the scene during the 2022 IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where his raw pace and ability to consistently clock speeds over 150 kph made him a sensation. His performances earned him a call-up to the Indian T20I side, but the transition to international cricket proved to be challenging. Inconsistent performances, coupled with injuries, have since seen him struggle to cement a regular spot in the national team.
This year, Umran’s struggles continued in the IPL. Despite Sunrisers Hyderabad’s impressive run to the final, Malik was sidelined for almost the entire season. When he finally got an opportunity to play, he delivered just one over, conceding 15 runs. Reflecting on this period, Umran revealed in an interview with the Indian Express that the lack of playing time with his state side, due to adverse weather conditions, affected his preparation for the IPL.
“I was fully prepared that season, but the weather didn’t help,” Umran said. “Then I was really looking forward to the IPL as I’d gained a lot in the months preceding the IPL. Unfortunately, even that didn’t go the way I wanted.”
Despite the setbacks, Umran remains optimistic. He has spent considerable time in practice sessions, working on his craft. “I’ve definitely become a better bowler if you ask me,” he noted, though he also mentioned that his progress was briefly halted by injuries, including a hamstring issue and a bout with dengue.
Focusing on Control and Swing
A critical area of improvement for Umran is his control. While his pace is undeniable, managing his economy rate has been a recurring challenge. India‘s former bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, who worked closely with Umran during his early international career, had previously emphasized the need for the young pacer to improve his control. Mhambrey noted that this lack of control was a factor in captain Rohit Sharma losing confidence in Umran’s abilities.
In his recent interview, Umran shared insights into how he is working to address these concerns. “These days I’m bowling a lot with the new ball because I believe swing can make a huge difference at my pace,” Umran said. He is also focusing on honing his skills in executing yorkers, a delivery that, if mastered, could make him a formidable bowler in any format.
“I want to keep it simple,” Umran stated. “My plan is to be ready for the domestic season. If I play more matches, then I would definitely be a better bowler. Even though I played only five Ranji matches, I realized how much I gained out of it. I’m waiting for the Duleep Trophy. If I play the entire season then I will know where exactly I stand, and it will open up opportunities.”
As Umran Malik prepares for the upcoming domestic season and India’s tour to Australia later this year, his focus is on proving that he still has what it takes to succeed at the highest level. With a renewed commitment to improving his control and adapting his pace, Umran is determined to reclaim his spot in the Indian team and regain the trust of his captain and coaches.
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