Paras Mhambrey's unique perspective on Umran Malik's unfortunate India fall: 'He proved himself in the IPL. Just 24 balls'

Umran Malik had risen to stardom with a stunning performance in IPL 2022, where he took 22 wickets for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His success earned him a spot in the Indian team, where he continued to impress with 24 wickets in 18 matches. During an ODI against Sri Lanka in January 2023, Umran showcased his raw pace by bowling at 156 kph, setting a new record for the fastest ball bowled by an Indian. However, inconsistencies crept in as his speedometer readings fluctuated, with one broadcast showing 145 kph. Despite these ups and downs, Umran still had his moments of brilliance on the field. His 151 kph rocket broke Najmul Shanto's stumps in half, and a 150 kph delivery sent a bail flying past the 30-yard circle. The young pacer's talent was undeniable, but it seemed like he had lost some of the spark that had made him the red-hot cricketer of IPL 2022.

But as has been the case with so many fast bowler, Umran faded quicker than his deliveries. He last played for India in July 2023, more than a year ago, and even his IPL performances have dipped – he picked 5 wickets from 8 matches last year and played just one game this season. Besides, less than 24 hours ago, Umran hit another roadblock after an illness ruled him out of the Duleep Trophy India B squad for the first round of matches. What's gone wrong?

According to former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, Umran's trajectory is what happens to a bowler without much red-ball bowling experience. With just 12 First-Class matches behind him, Umran has struggled to stay relevant, losing his position in the pecking order as the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar leapfrogged over him. That Umran broke into the Indian white-ball set-up on the back of IPL was itself a pretty short-sighted vision, and hence, his current standing shouldn't come as a surprise.

'T20 not a format to judge a prospect,' says Mhambrey

"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.

Also Read: India's ex-bowling coach Paras Mhambrey reveals how Umran Malik 'lost faith of captain'; gives crucial comeback advice

For all the perks that come with bowling in the IPL, it has its repercussions as well. Mhambrey had earlier told the daily that he is not someone who will get excited after seeing a few burst of exciting spells from a fast bowler. Like a purist, he believes in nurturing talent for the long term, which without proper physical and mental grind, is tough to achieve. Unfortunately, given Umran's current record and level of experience, he does not yet qualify.

"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," Mhambrey, who played two Tests and three ODIs for India, pointed out.

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