Indian fast bowler Umran Malik has declared that he will not sacrifice his blistering pace as he embarks on another journey back to competitive cricket following a year-long injury layoff. The Jammu and Kashmir pacer, known for his express speeds, is making a cautious return in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, firm in his belief that his speed is his defining trait.
The Unwavering Need for Speed
Malik, who has been sidelined more often than not recently due to a hip issue, views his pace as a non-negotiable part of his identity. "Speed is my natural aspect. How can I compromise with that?" he questioned in an interview with ESPNcricinfo. He emphasized that while injuries are an unfortunate reality for fast bowlers worldwide, diluting his primary strength is not an option for him. The 26-year-old has taken 24 wickets in his 10 ODIs and 8 T20Is for India so far.
A Gradual Return to Top Gear
Understanding the physical demands of his craft, Malik is not rushing to immediately hit the 150 kph mark again. He explained his pragmatic approach, stating that regaining top speed is a gradual process. "You can’t bowl at 150(kph) straight away. You reach that speed gradually," he said. His long-term goal is clear: he aims to maintain a high pace throughout his career, hoping to bowl at 140 kph even a decade later rather than seeing a steep decline to 130 kph.
Malik first captured the nation's attention during his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, where he consistently troubled top batsmen with his raw pace. However, after a breakthrough season in IPL 2022, consistent fitness issues limited his game time. He last featured in the IPL in March 2024 for SRH and missed the latest edition after being picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders, who have retained him for the upcoming mega auction.
Learning and Looking Forward
Eager to repay the faith shown by KKR, Malik is focused on a smarter and stronger comeback. "I will work as hard as I have to. I will learn where I make mistakes," he affirmed. His time away from the field has been a period of learning, where consultations with experts have helped him understand his body better. He now believes he knows what needs better management to avoid future injuries.
The pacer's ultimate objective is straightforward. "The first and last thing is that my fitness and form should be such that I play every match for the team and take wickets," Malik stated. As he takes his first steps back in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the cricketing world watches to see if India's speedster can make a memorable and sustained return to the top level.
