Ex-India cricketer does not want Umran Malik 'to compromise on pace'

Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan does not want Umran Malik to compromise on his pace at any cost. Pathan believes that the pace of Umran Malik is his most important weapon and he should look to add more into his arsenal rather than compromising on pace.

Umran Malik is a tearaway fast bowler who made headlines in IPL 2022 with his bustling pace. He troubled the batters that season with his ability to bowl uncomfortable yorkers and bouncers at high speeds. Umran picked up 22 wickets in 14 matches of IPL 2022 and emerged as the fourth-highest wicket-taker of the season.

But his form vanished by the next year. He struggled for control and played just 8 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2023 and picked up just 5 wickets. He played just one match this season and bowled just a solitary over, giving up 15 runs.

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Irfan Pathan does not want Umran Malik 'to compromise on pace'

Irfan Pathan worked with Umran Malik during the last domestic season. Due to poor weather conditions in Jammu last season, Umran bowled just 47 overs in the entire season. However, it gave him valuable time to learn new things in the nets.

Pathan recently revealed that he does not want Umran Malik to compromise on pace despite looking for better control. In the past, India have lost many fast bowlers like Munaf Patel who compromised the pace for a better swing and control.

“First of all, I don’t want him to compromise on pace. That’s the most important thing. I want him to bowl with a new ball in the nets which will allow him to gain better control. If he bowls with the new ball regularly, he will have a better idea of the length. He will also understand that swing will come with a good wrist position. This is the primary focus, but other than this, he has been working on his yorkers,” Pathan was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Umran Malik's international record

Umran Malik can bowl at speeds north of 150 kph regularly. Due to his high pace, he gathered attention at a young age and was spotted by the selectors as well. He has been on the India A tours on numerous occasions.

The 24-year-old has played 8 T20Is for India and picked up 11 wickets at an average of 22.09 and an economy rate of 10.48. He has also played 10 ODIs for India in which he has picked up 13 wickets at an average of 30.69 and an economy rate of 6.54.

Umran Malik is a genuine wicket-taker

Umran is one of those few fast bowlers who can bowl at such a high pace consistently. He can prove to be the X-factor that India needs on bouncy wickets in Australia and South Africa. But he will have a tough competition from another emerging fast bowler Mayank Yadav who can also bowl at high speeds consistently.

Despite being expensive at times, he is also a genuine wicket-taker. With age on his side, he will be aiming to have a good domestic season and make a comeback into the national side.