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'Not Played Enough Red-Ball Cricket' - India's Former Bowling Coach On Umran Malik's Decline

Umran Malik [X]Umran Malik [X]

Umran Malik's journey from an IPL sensation to a cricketer in search of form has been as dramatic as his fast deliveries. After lighting up the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2022 with his fiery pace for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Malik seemed poised for a stellar career. 

His breakthrough was marked by 22 wickets in the season, earning him an India debut and a promising start with 24 wickets from 18 matches. Umran Malik’s spell against Sri Lanka, where he clocked 156 kph, was especially memorable and showcased his potential.

However, the world has witnessed a rapid downturn in Malik's fortunes. Since his last appearance for India in July 2023, Malik's performances have waned. His IPL figures last year were lacklustre, with just five wickets in eight games, and this season saw him play only once. 

Recently, an illness has sidelined him from Buchi Babu Tournament and Duleep Trophy India B squad, compounding his struggles.

'I feel T20 Is Not A Format To Judge' - Paras Mhambrey

Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey attributes Malik’s decline to a lack of red-ball experience. Despite his impressive IPL credentials, Malik's absence of substantial red-ball experience has impeded his growth.

"Umran is a classic case of who has not played enough red-ball cricket. He came to the reckoning through the IPL. That's 24 balls in a game. Sometimes you don't even get to bowl 24 balls. The amount of pressure of bowling 24 balls is not like the red ball. I feel this (T20) is not a format to judge a prospect," Mhambrey told The Indian Express.

Mhambrey advocates for the necessity of enduring physical and mental tests inherent in first-class cricket.

"We made sure that he played Ranji Trophy and red ball cricket. The moment you will play one season, you will understand your bowling. Physically you will be tested in different phases of the game. Sometimes you will have to be on the ground for six sessions. And to be able to bowl with that intensity when the last session is coming up, you will be physically and mentally challenged. And you need to go through that," he explains. 

For Jammu speedster, the path forward involves a return to the basics, focusing on red-ball cricket to rediscover and hone his skills.