The story of Umran Malik, once hailed as the future of Indian fast bowling, is a tale of meteoric rise followed by an equally dramatic decline. From being the speedster who terrorized batters with his raw pace in IPL 2022 to struggling for form and fitness ahead of IPL 2025, Malik’s journey has been a rollercoaster ride. Former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowling coach Dale Steyn’s recent remarks on Malik’s decline have reignited discussions about what went wrong for the “Jammu Express” and how he can bounce back.

The meteoric rise of Umran Malik

Malik burst onto the scene during IPL 2021 when his raw pace turned heads. Retained by SRH for �? crore ahead of IPL 2022, Malik justified the faith with a stellar season. He claimed 22 wickets in 14 matches, including a five-wicket haul, and consistently clocked speeds exceeding 150 km/h. His fastest delivery of 157 km/h against Delhi Capitals remains one of the fastest by an Indian bowler.

His performances earned him a spot in India’s white-ball squads in 2022. In 18 international appearances (10 ODIs and eight T20Is), he scal?ped 24 wickets. However, his high economy rate became a concern, leading to his exclusion from the national side by 2023.

Dale Steyn calls Malik a ‘Ferrari stuck in sixth gear’

Steyn, who played a pivotal role in nurturing Malik during his time at SRH, recently commented on the pacer’s struggles. Stey?n likened Malik to a Ferrari stuck in sixth gear, emphasizing that sheer speed alone cannot guarantee success. He pointed out that Malik often got caught up in the hype of bowling fast without focusing on control and ?game awareness.

�?em>Just like a Ferrari has six gears, you don’t have to use all six gears. The Ferrari still can operate in first, second and third and fast bowlers are much the same. They got to be able to know when to use their gears,�?Steyn said to ESPNcricinfo.

Malik’s IPL performances began to dip after his breakout season. In IPL 2023, he managed just five wickets in eight games at an alarming economy rate of 10.85. The following year was even worse; he played only one match for SRH in IPL 2024 and conceded 15 runs in a single over. Injuries compounded his woes, with a hip issue sidelining him for most of the dome?stic season.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Here’s w?hy Mitchell Marsh w??ill play only as a specialist batter for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Steyn’s sternly warns Malik

Steyn’s critique was blunt but constructive. The South African legend explained, referencing Malik’s obsession with speed. The warning echoed Malik’s 2023 struggles, where his economy rate?s mirrored Steyn’s prophecy. The lesson? Raw pace without strategy is a liability.

“I think sometimes what happens is some guys get into the game and they get caught up by what’s happening all around them. 60,000 people chanting and screaming and you feel like, ‘I’ve got to run in and I got to bowl 160 kph’, which is great. But, if it goes against the game plan and it goes against the run of play, you’re going to go for 60,70 and that’s not going to do your team any good. It’s not going to even do you any good,” Steyn added.

KKR’s gamble: A new chapter or last chance?

In November 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) threw Malik a lifeline, signing him for IPL 2025. For the pacer, it’s a shot at reinvention. However, reports of his delayed camp arrival due to injury recovery rai??se questions. KKR’s faith hinges on whether Malik can channel his ??Ferrari-like speed into a more nuanced arsenal—slower balls, yorkers, and tactical bouncers.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Sanju ?Samson reflects on Rajasthan Royals�?tough decision to release Jos Buttler

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently disclosed India’s squads for the upcoming multi-format South Africa tour, designating Rohit Sharma as the Test captain. At the same time, KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav have been named skip??pers for the ODI? and T20I teams, respectively.

Additionally, BCCI have also revealed the India A squads for the same tour. The squad announcement brought attention to the promising young players securing spots and the conspicuous absence of pace sensation Umran Malik, eliciting concern from fans and cricket pundit?s.

Joining the chorus of discontent is former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who voiced his disappointment with the Indian Team management’s decision to omit Umran. Pathan’s critique contributes to the ongoing discourse, underscoring the scrutiny and varied perspectives surrounding the team selection process.

Irfan Pathan reacts on Umran Malik’s non-selection

Pathan took a dig at the Indian selectors in a recent tweet, mentioning that a player (Umran) who was part of the Indian team’s playing XI a few months ago should at least be able to secure a spot in the India A side. It is worth noting that the former all-rounder worked closely with the Jammu-based speedster during his tenure as the mentor-cum-coach of Jammu and Kashmir cricket Team.

“I’m pretty sure the guy (Umran) who was in the Indian team’s playing 11 few months back can surely find a place in India A side. #umranmalik,” Pathan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

I’m pretty sure the guy who was in the Indian team’s playing 11 few months back can surely find a place in India A side. #umranmalik

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 30, 2023

Also READ: Kevin Pi??etersen identifies the crucial factor needed for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ?participation in the T20 World Cup 2024

Umran Malik’s journey with Indian Cricket Team

Despite being heralded as the next promising talent in Indian cricket, Umran’s journey in the national colours has been a roller-coaster of thrills and spills. The 26-year-old has showcased his wicket-taking ability in the ODIs, securing 13 wickets in nine matches. However, a closer look reveals a concerning trend in his performance, as the right-arm seamer has struggled to contain runs with an economy rate of 6.54. The challenges extend to the T20I domain, where Umran has demonstrated his prowess with 11 wickets in eight games. Unfortunately, his bowling economy in T20Is has been a significant cause for worry, standing at a high 10.49.

This over-expensive bowling has likely played a pivotal role in his exclusion from the Indian s??quad, highlighting the importance of balancing wic??ket-taking and economy rates in the competitive world of international cricket.

Also READ – ‘He might have regrets�? India legend K. Srikkanth decodes Jasprit Bumrah’s?? cryptic Instagram story

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Fast bowler Umran Malik opened his account in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) with his typical thunderbolt delivery during Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ‘s opening clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Rajeev Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday.

Malik cleaned up Devdutt Padikkal with a fiery ball that gained maximum eyeballs. It all happened in the 15th over when Malik delivered a 149kmph delivery that kept low from a good length. The white leather had a low trajectory, skidded off the surface, and managed to uproot the off-stump of Padikkal after successfully evading the batsman’s defence.

Here is the video:

.@umran_malik_01 doing Umran Malik things! 👍

Relive how he picked his first wicket of the #TATAIPL 2023 👇#SRHvRR | @SunRisers pic.twitter.com/QD0MoeW1vF

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 2, 2023

Malik, who is recognised for his ferocious pace, had a successful year in 2022, where he picked up 22 wickets in 14 games for the team. As a result, he was selected to represen??t India for the first t?ime after the season, when the team resumed play.

Speaking about the game, Sunrisers opted to bowl, but the decision of skipper Bhuvneshwar Kumar went horribly wrong as Rajasthan ended up scoring 203/5 in their allotted 20 overs. The likes of Yashashvi Jaiswal (54 off 37), Jos Buttler (54 off 22) and Sanju Samson (55 off 32) all sm??ashed their respective half-centuries to help ??their team post a mammoth total.

In response, the Sunrisers just couldn’t get going and only managed to reach 131/8, losing the contest by a huge margin of 72 runs. Abdul Samad, with an unbeaten 32, was their highest scorer. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was the pick of the bowlers for the Royals, picking u?p four wickets for just 17 runs in his quota of 4 overs.

“Definitely the start we wanted. The way Jos and Jaiswal batted, we knew a big score will always be difficult to score. The plan was to bowl stump to stump, tossing it up is my strength. I’m not too bothered about who I’m bowling to. Definitely you’ll see a big celebration when I get a five wicket haul,” said Chahal after the game.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

India faced New Zealand in the third and final game of the three-match T20I series at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday (February 1). The Men in Blue defeated the Blackcaps by record 168 runs to clinch the series (2-1) courtesy of Shubman Gill’s blazing ton.

India won the toss and elected to bat first, and the decision worked well for the hosts as they posted mammoth 234 runs on the scoreboard for the loss of just four wickets. Gill (126) and Rahul Tripathi (44) were the major contributors to the Indian side. Meanwhile, Michael Bracewell and Blair Tickner picked up one wicket each for the Kiwis.

In reply, New Zealand failed miserably with the bat and were bundled out for just 66 in 12.1 overs. Daryl Mitchell (35) and Mitchell Santner (13) were the only batters for?? visitors to score in two figures.

On the other hand, Indian skipper Hardik Pandya took three wickets, while Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik scalped two-two wickets. Among those two wickets picked by Umran, one came off a lightning delivery which he bowled to dismiss Michael Bracewell.

On the second ball of the fifth over, Umran delivered a fiery ball to Bracewell, which the left-handed batter tried to slog but missed completely and got clean bowled. The 23-year-old Jammu pacer was seen pumped up ?after the dismissal.

Here’s the video:

Umran Malik comes into the attack and Michael Bracewe?ll? is bowled for 8 runs.

A beauty of a delivery from Umran 💥

Live – //t.co/1uCKYafzzD #INDvNZ @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/nfCaYVch4b

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 1, 2023

Notably, it was the biggest win by a margin of runs between two full member nations in the history o?f T20Is. With this victory, India also maintained its winning streak in 2023, as it was their fourth win in a limited-over series. Earlier, India had defeated Sri Lanka in three ODI matches and two T20I games.

After these power-packed white ball cricket games, India will next be seen in action in Test format when they face Australia in Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023 commencing on Thursday (February 9) a?t SCA stad??ium in Nagpur. 

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Umran Malik has been in the spotlight ever since making his India debut because of his? a?bility to bowl consistently at a speed of 150 kmph.

There have been many discussions going around about whether Umran can surpass Pakistan maestro Shoaib Akhtar in terms of speed or not.

Notably, Akhtar with a 161 kmph delivery, currently holds the record for the fastest ball? in cricket history.

India’s bowling coach, Bharat Arun, has now jumped into the discussion. ??In an interview with News24Sports, he said that India has f??ound a great talent in form of Umran Malik.

When further asked about Umran breaking Akhtar’s record, Arun said that the 23-year-old Indian pacer could easily increase his pace by 5 kmph, and might end up breaking the fastest delivery record by the ‘Rawalpindi Express’.

“Umran Malik is a great find for India. Somebody who bowls 150-plus consistently. He is a huge talent for India and we need to nurture this talent. We have the option of making him a very good bowler for India in the future,” said Arun to News24Sports.

“For fast bowling, physical fitness and skill is 50-50. He needs to work on both to maximise his potential, with consistency. He needs to work on these both things,” he added.

“If you work on your action, your line and length will get better and speed will increase as well. To increase the pace, drills can be helpful and workload monitoring is also important. Any bowler can increase the pace by 5 kmph easily with the kind of work. But if someone is bowling 125, can’t make it 150. Some putting 135, can make it 140. Some bowling 140, can make it 145. But you cannot increase too much.”

Just a few weeks back, Umran broke the record for fastest delivery by an Indian pacer. He surpassed Japrit Bumrah to achieve the feat.

In the last year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), Umran bowled a 157 kmph ripper for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Delhi Capitals.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Young Indian fast bowler Umran Malik has made a big name for himself because of his raw pace since he came to the national team. And on Thursday (January 5), during the second T20I of the three-match series between India and Sri Lanka, he bowled a couple of ferocious deliveries to clean up the opposite team’s batters.

Malik first dismissed Bhanuka Rajapaksa in the 10th over and then sent back Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga to the dugout on successive d??eliveries of the 16th over.

H??e t??ook three wickets but conceded as many as 48 runs in four overs.

Umran, arguably the fastest Indian bowler, now has seven wickets to his name in five T20Is. However, he needs to improve his economy rate which is above ??10.

Coming to the match, Sri Lanka posted a massive total of 206/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Thanks to their skipper Dasun Shanaka, who scored a quickfire 56 off just 22 balls and gave his side the much-needed momentum in the ??death overs. Sri Lanka piled up 93 runs in the last five overs with the help of some no-balls delivered by the Indian pacers.

In reply, India fought till the end but fell short by 16 runs. All-rounder Axar Patel (65 off 31) and Suryakumar Yadav (51 off 36) added a 91-run partnership for the sixth wicket, pulling their team out of trouble. With Yadav’s dismissal in the 16th over, India’s hopes almost came to an end.

Though Axar and Shivam Mavi (26 off 15) took the game to the last over, they could not match up to the required run rate. Shanaka dismissed bot??h the batters on the third and the sixth delivery of his over.

With the series now locked at 1-1, the winner would be decided in the third and final game on? Sat?urday, January 7.

Here are the videos:

Umran Malik with a 147kmph beauty! pic.twitter.com/twPbtLDFiH

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 5, 2023

Umran Malik Bowled like bullets train speed 🔥 #UmranMalik #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/DN2EuKDe31

— Himanshu Dwivedi (@Hims_Dwivedi) January 5, 2023

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

On Tuesday, January 3, in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, Indian speedster Umran Malik bowled a 155 kmph thunderbolt to dismiss Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka. The right-arm pacer broke the record of the fastest delivery by an Indian bowler, which was earlier held by Jasprit Bumrah.

Bumrah, during the 2018-?19 Bo??rder Gavaskar series against Australia, had bowled a 153.2 kmph delivery at the Adelaide Oval.

Umran, in the game against the Islanders, took two wickets and went on to end the game with an impressive figure of 2/27 in 4 overs. The young seamer has been facing a question by many that if he can break the record of Shoaib Akhtar’s 161 kmph delivery, which the l??atter bowle?d against England during the 2003 World Cup.

Responding to the question, Umran said that currently?? his focus is to only perform well for his country.

“Right now, I’m only thinking about performing well for the country. If I do well, and if I’m lucky, I’ll break that. But I don’t think about it at all,” said Umran in an interview with News24 ahead of the first T20I??.

Now reacting to Umran’s comment, the Rawalpindi Express has made a remark, stating he’d be happy if Umran breaks his record but also hoped that the Jammu and Kashmir pacer, in the process, doesn’t break his bones.

“I’ll be happy if he (Umran) breaks my record. But in the process of breaking it, I hope he doesn’t break his bones. What I mean is that he stays fit.” said Akhtar while talking to Sportskeeda.

Umran, during an IPL game against Delhi Capitals (DC) last year, bowled a 157 kmph rocket delivery.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Hardik Pandya-led Team India on Tuesday registered a close win against Sri Lanka in the inaugural game of the three-match T20I series. India set a target of 163 and went on to win the game by two runs. While Deepak Hooda 41(23) and Shivam Mavi (4/22) shined for India, Umran Malik also impressed with his sheer pace.

Among his two wickets, the one in which Umran dismissed the Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka was a 155 kph ripper. The scorching wicket-taking delivery by the right-armer w??as not just the quickest in the match but the fastest delivery ever bowled by any Indian pacer. He ended the 1st T20I match with a convincing figure of 2/27 in 4 overs. It was also his first international game at home; before appearing for this gam??????????????????????????e, he had played 5 ODI’s and 3 T20I’s games but outside India.

The record of the fastest delivery by an Indian pacer was previously held by Jasprit Bumrah. He had achieved the feat during the first Test of the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar series at the Adelaide Oval, bowling a 153.2 kph de??livery. Bumrah, who has been o?ut of action for quite a while, is also back in the ODI squad against Sri Lanka.

“Bilaterals we are very good at and this is how we are going to challenge ourselves. To be honest, all the young guns got us out of the situation today. The conversation was very simple, I have seen him (Mavi) bowl well in the IPL and I know what are his strengths, just back yourself and don’t worry about getting hit. If the same situation is there then yes, I have worked on my swing bowling and I have worked on that (inswinger), I am bowling in nets and I like bowling with the new ball,” said Indian captain Hardik Pandya after the match.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Young Indian speedster Umran Malik is new to the international arena, but he has already made a name for himself due to his super impressive fast bowling. The Jammu-born has become a household name ever since his breakout season in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Umran is known for delivering thunderbolts and making batters’ time miserable. He generally bowls over 145 km/h, and in an IPL game against Delhi Capitals (DC), the right-arm speedster delivered a rocket that c?locked at 157 kmph.

No wonder Umran is often compared to some of the world’s fastest bowlers, and his fans reckon that the 23-year-old has all the abilities to break former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar‘s record fastest ball in the history of international cricket.

Notably, Akhtar was the first cricketer to break the 100 mph barrier in international cricket before registering the fastest 161.3 kph delivery during the 2003 World Cup. Akhtar achieved the feat on February 22, 2003, when he delivered a 100.23 mph ball against England opener Nick Knight.

Umran was recently quizzed if he aims to break Akhtar’s long-standing record. In response, the pacer insisted that he doesn’t think about the record and is only committed to performing well for Team India.

“Right now, I’m only thinking about performing well for the country. If I do well, and if I’m lucky, I’ll break that. But I don’t think about it at all,” said Umran in an interview with News24.

“You don’t get to realise how fast you’ve bowled during the match. It’s only when we come back after the game when we get to know how fast I was. During the game, my only focus is on bowling in the right areas and picking wickets,”  added the J&K pacer.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.