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Umran Malik, the dynamic young fast bowler hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, has firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) squad in the exhilarating Indian Premier League (IPL). With a keen eye for talent, SRH recognized Malik’s immense potential early on and provided him with the perfect platform to shine on the IPL’s grand stage.
Joining forces with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2021 marked the beginning of Malik’s journey, where his explosive pace captured the admiration of cricket experts and enthusiasts alike. Aged 24, Malik has earned acclaim for his ability to consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 150 km/h, solidifying his status as one of the fastest rising stars in international cricket.
Umran Malik’s IPL future in jeopardy with SRH’s possible bold move
Malik’s breakthrough season arrived in 2022, establishing him as one of the IPL’s most promising young talents. His exceptional performance for SRH saw him claim 22 wickets from 14 matches. This impressive showing earned him a coveted debut with the Indian cricket team. However, despite early promise, Malik struggled to maintain consistency and failed to meet the high expectations placed upon him.
Subsequently, Malik’s form has waned in recent seasons. He managed just five wickets in eight appearances during the 2023 campaign. In the IPL 2024 season, under the leadership of Pat Cummins, Malik’s opportunities dwindled further, featuring in only one match. SRH, captained by Cummins, ultimately fell short in the final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) earlier this year.
Umran Malik set for release by SRH before IPL 2025 Mega Auction.
According to News24 Sports, SRH is contemplating the release of Umran ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Concerns over his line, length, and high economy rate in recent seasons have dominated discussions. With an eye on rebuilding their squad, SRH seems inclined to part ways with the talented young pace bowler from Jammu and Kashmir.
The report also suggests that several IPL teams have expressed interest in Umran following news of his potential release by SRH. Should he become available at the upcoming auction, he is expected to attract significant attention and bids, making him a sought-after prospect for franchises looking to bolster their bowling arsenals.
Once touted as one of India’s brightest prospects in fast bowling, Umran Malik’s career trajectory has unexpectedly plummeted. Despite a promising start that included 10 ODIs and 8 T20Is yielding 13 and 11 wickets respectively since his debut in 2022, Malik now finds himself struggling to secure even a spot in the second-string team.
While his IPL franchise once propelled him to stardom, recent seasons saw SRH lose confidence in his abilities, granting him just a solitary appearance in IPL 2024 and contemplating his release. Paras Mhambrey, former Indian bowling coach and recent T20 World Cup 2024-winning coach, has advised Malik to consider a move to play domestic cricket for another state. This shift, Mhambrey suggests, could potentially reignite Malik’s form and revive his standing in the competitive cricket landscape.
