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

Whenever an Indian bowler breaks the ceiling of the eminent 150kmph, the world comes to a still, and one delivery let alone the complete fiery spell, starts to make waves, eventually the loud calls of getting him escalated to the threshold of Team India level become evident. A similar case prevailed with the Lucknow Super Giants' revelation Mayank Yadav, who had an impressive start in IPL 2024, bowling in the high 150s. Ahead of Mayank, it is Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Umran Malik, who was in the same frame. Malik even got an immediate promotion and entered the scheme of things for Team India. However, inconsistent performances and injuries marred his stint with Team India, leading 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 leading up after another and hence, which kept him away from the field, making him lose some valuable time.

“I was fully prepared that season, but the weather didn’t help. 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," Umran told Indian Express.

"But it also gave me the time to work on things I wanted to in the practice sessions. 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,” Umran added.

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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 the nets to become a better bowler. He is focusing on swing bowling and aiming for a return to international through the route of Ranji and Duleep Trophy.

“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," said Umran.

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

“I want to keep it simple. 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,” Umran said.