Umran Malik goes Uber Cocky, claims he has what only a few Indian bowlers possess

Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Umran Malik said that his goal is to play for India again after returning from an injury layoff during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The young bowler stated that he is confident that taking wickets at his natural speed, around 150 kmph, will help him return to the national cricket team.

Malik, who was seen as one of the country’s most exciting fast-bowling prospects, has not played for India since July 2023. He has taken 24 wickets across 10 ODIs and 8 T20Is. However, injuries and a dip in form pushed him out of the selectors’ plans. He is no longer even considered among the backup options.

Those Who Bowl 150 Are Not Strike Bowlers - Umran Malik

Umran Malik said that bowlers who can bowl at 150 kmph are attacking bowlers, not defensive ones. He stated that such pacers may concede runs, but they also create chances for wickets.

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"Let me tell you one thing. Those who bowl 150 are not strike bowlers; they are attacking bowlers. They will be hit for 30 (runs) in four (overs) but will also give you wickets. A fast bowler is like that. He should know what he has to do," Umran told select media after J&K’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh.

He Is a King, and He Has to Back Himself - Umran Malik

Umran Malik said that bowling at 150 kmph requires courage and self-belief, and not many bowlers can do it. Malik stated that extreme pace is a natural skill and cannot be developed overnight. The pacer added that he has been consistently bowling at that speed for five years.

"A bowler who bowls at 150 knows that he is a king and he has to back himself. Not everyone can bowl 150kph. It takes real guts to bowl at 150kph, and I have been doing this for the last five years."

"Bowling 150kph is an art; you can't go directly from 137 to 145. Do training, do whatever you want -- this is natural, this is all natural. You need to train yourself accordingly, eat properly, rest properly, keep your body fresh so that you're ready for the process tomorrow."

"Speed is my natural aspect; how can I compromise on that? Training, running, cardio-you have to maintain. There is no special diet. Pace is my strength. I have to regain my strength."

Umran Malik Impresses in SMAT Ahead of IPL 2026 After Being Retained by KKR

Umran Malik, who has been retained by Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026, delivered an impressive performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In Round 2, he took 3 wickets for 37 runs against Uttar Pradesh in Kolkata, following his 2/24 in Round 1 against Maharashtra.

After four matches in this year’s SMAT, Umran has taken 6 wickets at an average of 22.50 and an economy rate of 9.64. In his overall T20 career, he now has 71 wickets in 58 games at an average of 24.77 and an economy rate of 9.14.

Umran made his IPL debut in 2021 and rose to prominence in IPL 2022 when he picked 22 wickets for Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, he struggled in the following years and played only one match in 2024. He later moved to KKR but did not feature in the playing XI last season.

Also read: "Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma 1000 times better than other Indian players"- Remark stirs controversy