Former India fast bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, has weighed in on the promising young pace sensation, Umran Malik. Mhambrey believes that Malik should consider changing the state he represents in domestic cricket. Currently, Malik plays for Jammu & Kashmir, but his recent performances have left room for improvement.
Umran Malik’s performance in recent times
In the Ranji Trophy 2023-24, Malik managed only four wickets from five matches at an average of 38.50. His Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023 campaign was similarly lacklustre, with six wickets from seven matches at an average of 35.83 and an economy of 8.26. Even in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he went wicketless in the sole game he played, conceding 68 runs from eight overs.
Mhambrey emphasizes that Malik requires proper guidance. He suggests that Malik should play for a state with a well-structured system. Unfortunately, the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association has faced financial irregularities, exposing the flaws in their cricketing setup.
“I won’t say disappointed, but someone like Umran (Malik). We need to guide him. He needs to play for a state which has the proper structure. Unfortunately, he is playing for a state where there is no proper structure. Playing for a state with a proper structure, and playing a lot of cricket will definitely help him. We need someone to make that call for him and make sure that he plays for a state where he plays a lot of cricket. He has the potential, a quick guy who can bowl in the mid-140s. consistently, but someone to guide him at this stage and saying, okay, fine, just play cricket and how do we take this, take his game forward,” Mhambrey said.
Malik’s potential lies in his ability to consistently bowl in the mid-140s. However, he needs someone to guide him and help elevate his game. Playing for a state with a robust structure could provide the necessary support.
Paras Mhambrey about Imran Malik
"I won't say disappointed, but someone like Umran (Malik). We need to guide him. He needs to play for a state which has proper structure. Unfortunately, he is playing for a state where there is no proper structure. Playing for a state with a… pic.twitter.com/ElFgRl4bnZ— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) July 20, 2024
In the Indian Premier League 2024, Malik featured in just one game, conceding 15 runs in a solitary over. His rise to prominence came in IPL 2021, where he consistently bowled over 150 km. In 2022, he finished as the fourth-highest wicket-taker with 22 scalps.
Malik’s journey is at a crossroads. A strategic move to a state with a stronger cricketing foundation could be the catalyst for unlocking his full potential. As he navigates this critical phase, the right decision could shape his future in the game.
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