New Delhi: The year 2022 was very memorable for Team India’s young quick bowler Umran Malik. After a brilliant performance for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he managed to make a place in the Indian team. However, due to his inability to perform as expected at the international level, he was soon out of the team. Umran’s rapid pace and initial success impressed everyone, but his continuously declining performance surprised everyone.
Former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey has clarified the reasons behind Umran Malik’s failure. Mhambrey believes that Umran Malik’s lack of experience in red ball cricket has hindered his growth. Umran Malik, who was selected for the Indian team based on his performance in a few matches in the IPL, has played only 12 matches in first-class cricket. This is the reason why he is struggling in long format cricket.
1. I don’t have any experience playing red ball cricket
According to Paras Mhambrey, Umran Malik’s main issue is the lack of experience of red ball cricket. Umran, who came into the limelight through the IPL, played fewer matches in first-class cricket, resulting in a lack of consistency in his game. In IPL, bowlers have only 24 balls, whereas Test cricket requires patience and strategy for a long time.
2. Impact of T20 format
T20 formats, such as the IPL, recognized players like Umran Malik, but this experience is not enough for the long format game. In T20, bowlers are under pressure to perform in just 24 balls, which is completely different from the challenge of red ball cricket. According to Mhambrey, the T20 format is not the right way to assess the skill and strength of any player.
3. A deficiency in mental fortitude and ability to manage pressure
According to the former bowling coach, playing first-class cricket helps players develop mental strength and the ability to handle pressure. Tournaments like the IPL are not able to prepare mentally because the focus there is only on taking wickets in fewer balls. Red ball cricket teaches players the art of playing for a long time and devising strategies, which is currently missing in Umran’s game.
