2024-08-14 13:37:03
Two years ago, in IPL 2022, Umran Malik emerged as a pace sensation for Sunrisers Hyderabad. On the basis of his strong performance, he made a place in the Indian cricket team and also played 10 ODIs and eight T20Is between November 2022 and July 2023. But lack of consistency and injury soon dropped him from the team. As long as Umran played for India, he could never cement his place in the team. Umran could not do anything special for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024 as well. He was hardly selected in the playing XI. Hyderabad made it to the final of the tournament, but this young fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir played only one match, in which he could not even complete his quota of overs and conceded 15 runs in six balls.
Weather, injury and then dengue
During an interview with the Indian Express, Umran said that his state cricket team did not get many chances to play matches due to bad weather. Umran said, ‘I was fully prepared that season, but the weather did not help. Then I was really looking forward to the IPL because I had achieved a lot in the season before the IPL. Unfortunately it did not happen there as I wanted, but it also gave me time to work on the things I wanted to do in the practice sessions. I have definitely become a better bowler if you ask me. After the IPL, I had a hamstring injury and as soon as I recovered, I got dengue.’
I want to keep the comeback process very simple. My plan is to be ready for the domestic season. If I play more matches, I will definitely become a better bowler. Even though I have played only five Ranji matches, I realised how much it benefited me. I am looking forward to the Duleep Trophy. If I play the entire season, I will know where I stand and that will open up opportunities. I am looking forward to holding the red ball in my hand.
Umran Malik talking to the media
How are you working on your bowling?A major challenge for Umran Malik during his career was his economy. During the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons, he consistently bowled at speeds of 150 kmph and above, but during this time his control often decreased. Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, who stepped down after the T20 World Cup win in June, said in an interview that Rohit Sharma lost ‘confidence’ in the young fast bowler due to Umran’s lack of control. Umran told that he is bowling a lot with the new ball keeping in mind India’s blockbuster tour of Australia later this year as he believes that swing can make a big difference to my speed. Even with the new ball, I am trying to bowl yorkers. I need to find ways to surprise the batsmen.