Umran Malik eyeing spot in India's BGT squad? Pacer ready to dominate Duleep Trophy

Young Indian fast bowler Umran Malik said that he is fully focused on the domestic red-ball tournament, Duleep Trophy 2024, which is scheduled to commence on September 5. Umran Malik said that his health condition improved after recovering from dengue, adding that he is feeling better.

Malik will next be seen in action in the upcoming 17th edition of the Duleep Trophy. The tearaway fast bowler is part of Team C, led by young opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad. Duleep Trophy 2024 will take place in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Earlier, Malik struggled in the domestic season. The right-arm fast bowler took only four wickets in five matches at an average of 38.50 in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023, Malik claimed six wickets in seven matches, with an average of 35.83 and an economy rate of 8.26.

Malik gained attention during the IPL 2022, where he took 22 wickets in 14 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad at an average of 20.18, including a five-wicket haul. However, he has struggled to maintain that level of success in the following seasons. He will be aiming to make a comeback for India soon.

I Have Recovered From Dengue And Am Feeling Better - Umran Malik

The 24-year-old fast bowler will play alongside players like Suryakumar Yadav, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, and Rajat Patidar. Malik has started preparing for the tournament after recovering from dengue. The right-arm pacer said he is ready and hopes to perform well for his team this season.

“I have recovered from Dengue and I am feeling better. I am focussing on the preparations for the Duleep Trophy. I am currently working on my comeback at the National Cricket Academy. I hope I will be bowling well for my team in the upcoming domestic season,” Malik told ANI.

Umran Malik Has Started Training At The National Cricket Academy In Bengaluru

Malik has started training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru in preparation for the 2024 Duleep Trophy. The bowler aims to deliver standout performances to attract the attention of national selectors. He will need to bring his best to the domestic season to make a strong comeback for India.

The pacer played just one match for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Malik bowled only one over, conceding 15 runs without taking any wickets. He has played ten ODIs and eight T20Is for India, claiming 24 wickets. The bowler last played for India in an ODI match in July 2023.

India will tour Australia for the five-match Test series later this year. Umran Malik's express pace could be advantageous on Australia's bouncy pitches. However, the young fast bowler must perform well in domestic cricket to earn a spot in the Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Also read: Watch: Mohammad Rizwan becomes Superman with a one-handed stunner to dismiss Zakir Hasan