'I’ve definitely become better': India's 24-Year-Old Forgotten Cricketer Wants Another Chance

Whenever an Indian bowler breaks ceiling of eminent 150kmph, world comes to a still, and one delivery let alone complete fiery spell, starts to make waves, eventually loud calls of getting him escalated to threshold of Team India level become evident. A similar case prevailed with Lucknow Super Giants' revelation Mayank Yav, who h an impressive start in IPL 2024, bowling in high 150s. Ahe of Mayank, it is Sunrisers Hyderab pacer Umran Malik, who was in same frame. Malik even got an immediate promotion and entered scheme of things for Team India. However, inconsistent performances and injuries marred his stint with Team India, leing to his ultimate departure.

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Umran Malik on what kept him away from cricket

Speaking about his ill fate, Umran Malik revealed one thing kept leing up after anor and hence, which kept him away from field, making him lose some valuable time.

“I was fully prepared that season, but wear didn’t help. n I was really looking forward to IPL as I’d gained a lot in months preceding IPL. Unfortunately, even that didn’t go way I wanted," Umran told Indian Express.

"But it also gave me time to work on things I wanted to in practice sessions. I’ve definitely become a better bowler if you ask me. After IPL, I injured my hamstring and just as I recovered I’m down with dengue,” Umran ded.

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Eyeing a return to international cricket through a domestic route

Umran Malik is now gunning for a return and sweating in nets to become a better bowler. He is focusing on swing bowling and aiming for a return to international through route of Ranji and Duleep Trophy.

“se days I’m bowling a lot with 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," said Umran.

"If you have that, n you will be better prepared to handle challenges. When I’m bowling in a match, it is not about myself or what I do. I’ve to fit into bowling group and ir plans and compliment m. So I need to be equipped on that front. Even with new ball, I’m trying to bowl Yorkers because if I’m able to execute it properly, n I will get confidence to bowl it all time. You need to find ways to surprise batsmen.

“I want to keep it simple. My plan is to be rey for domestic season. If I play more matches, n 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 Duleep Trophy. If I play entire season n I will know where exactly I stand and it will open up opportunities. I’m waiting to hold red ball in my hand,” Umran said.