Paras Mhambrey blames IPL for Umran Malik’s sudden decline from meteoric rise

India’s fast-bowling sensation Umran Malik came into the limelight with his fiery pace in the 2021 IPL season for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), but at the moment, his career is under the clouds, struggling to make an impact with the ball, leading to his ouster from the national team.

Bursting onto the scene with his ability to consistently clock over 150 km/h, Malik quickly earned a place in India's white-ball squad following a remarkable 2022 IPL season with the SRH.

Over a short span of time, the Jammu and Kashmir pacer featured in 10 ODIs and 8 T20Is, taking 24 international wickets.

Paras Mhambrey blames lack of red-ball cricket for Umran Malik's decline

However, despite this promising start, Malik has been out of the Indian cricket team for over a year, which sparked concerns about his career, with many wondering if the fast bowler’s meteoric rise has been followed by an equally swift decline, as the SRH has also been overlooking him.

Reacting to Umran Malik falling out of expectations, former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said that the youngster came into the international arena without playing sufficient red-ball cricket and that’s why he suddenly lost his charm with the ball both for India and SRH in the IPL.

Paras Mhambrey was quoted as saying by The Indian Express: “Umran is a classic case of someone who has not played enough red-ball cricket. He came into 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 in bowling 24 balls is not like the red ball. I feel this (T20) is not a format to judge a prospect.”

Mhambrey believes that Malik's rapid climb through the ranks, primarily fueled by his IPL performances, may have bypassed crucial developmental stages in domestic cricket that are integral for sustaining success at the international level.

With only 12 First-Class matches to his name, Umran Malik's experience in the longer formats is limited, and this lack of exposure has seemingly hindered his ability to adapt and thrive in the rigors of international cricket.

Paras Mhambrey highlights the need for red-ball development for Umran Malik

The former bowling coach admitted that the IPL is an excellent platform for showcasing raw talent, but it does not fully prepare a bowler for the demands of Test cricket. Paras Mhambrey further noted, “For all the perks that come with bowling in the IPL, it has its repercussions as well.”

Paras Mhambrey also highlights the importance of red-ball cricket in a bowler's development, saying this format provides a true test of skill, stamina, and mental toughness to the players. The challenges faced during long sessions in first-class cricket, where bowlers are pushed to their limits, are essential for understanding and refining their craft.

According to the former Indian bowling coach, Umran Malik’s limited exposure to first-class cricket has likely contributed to his current struggles, as he has not yet developed the resilience needed to sustain performance across the formats.

Paras Mhambrey signed off by saying, “We made sure that he played Ranji Trophy and red-ball cricket. The moment you play one season, you 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.”