Thanks to his raw pace, Umran Malik grabbed the limelight when he made his IPL debut back in 2021. A result of his ability to consistently bowl in the late 140kphs meant the right-arm pacer played all 14 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2022.
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International debut followed soon enough and the 24-year-old played in 10 ODIs and eight T20Is for India between June 2022 and July 2023, taking a combined 24 wickets in them.
However, his stocks have taken a hit ever since.
In IPL 2023, Umran played in eight matches for SRH and last season, he only managed to get a solitary game as the team finished runners-up.
While pace remains his biggest asset, Umran hasn’t been able to find control in his bowling that has resulted in him leaking plenty of runs. He has been working on adding more variety to his bowling without compromising on his swing.
“I was fully prepared that season (Ranji Trophy 2023-24), but the weather didn’t help,” Umran was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. “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. But it also gave me the time to work on things I wanted to in the practice sessions.”
Umran was hoping to start his season by taking part in the Buchi Babu tournament but he’s down with dengue now having just recovered from a hamstring injury.
“I’ve definitely become a better bowler if you ask me. After the IPL, I injured my hamstring and just as I recovered I’m down with dengue,” he said.
Umran has been bowling with the new ball in training sessions.
“These days I’m bowling a lot with the new ball because I believe swing can make a huge difference at my pace. I want to learn a few things, especially how to formulate a plan and execute it. If you have that, then you will be better prepared to handle the challenges,” he said.
His next target is the Duleep Trophy next month in which India Test regulars including captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to take part as well.
“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 realised 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. I’m waiting to hold the red ball in my hand,” he said.
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