Umran Malik has encountered yet another obstacle in his career. The 25-year-old fast bowler, who was once hailed as a promising talent in Indian cricket, is sidelined due to injury and will be unable to participate in IPL 2025. Acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹75 lakh during the IPL mega-auction, the franchise had high hopes for Umran to replicate his impressive performance from 2022 with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Unfortunately, this latest injury adds to a series of setbacks that have hindered his return to professional cricket. Umran had a remarkable breakout season three years ago with SRH, where he took 22 wickets, which ultimately led to his debut for the Indian national team. Dale Steyn, who closely mentored Umran during that season, has shared some intriguing anecdotes about the young pacer.

Steyn famously likened Umran to a Ferrari as he overwhelmed opponents with his sheer pace, often demolishing stumps in the process. This comparison initially proved beneficial, allowing Umran to advance in his career. However, during their time together at Sunrisers, Steyn recounted an instance where Umran disregarded his advice in an effort to prove him wrong.

During the IPL, Steyn observed that Umran was utilizing his slower ball infrequently—only once every four overs—while senior player Bhuvneshwar Kumar effectively employed the delivery twelve times in his four overs. Steyn aimed to encourage Umran to diversify his bowling repertoire and recommended that he incorporate at least two slower balls to begin with. However, the outcome was quite different from what was anticipated.

This is quite an amusing anecdote. I approached him and made a suggestion, to which he responded, "Oh, that's an excellent point. Thank you. If Bhuvi is doing it, I will give it a try." We were watching a match in Mumbai, and it was the ideal moment for him [Umran] to deliver a slower ball. As he prepared to bowl, I turned to Murali [Muthiah Muralidaran, assistant coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad] and remarked, "I believe he is going to bowl a slower ball." However, he charged in and delivered a yorker that sent the stumps flying, as Steyn recounted on ESPNCricinfo's Cricket Monthly.

The camera then shifted to focus on Murali and me, as if we had devised this brilliant strategy. I thought to myself that sometimes the true master is the player on the field. I had suggested a slower ball, yet he sprinted in and unleashed a remarkable 155 kph yorker that uprooted the stumps. Occasionally, statistics may not hold significant weight, but they certainly play a role in helping players understand the actions of others, which can enhance their performance. In this instance, while Umran Malik has areas to improve, he certainly proved me wrong that day, asserting, "This is my skill, and I will execute it."

Why Umran Malik fell off the radar

The era of Umran unleashing his powerful deliveries with intensity seems to have passed. Recently, he has faced several challenges, primarily related to his fitness, which have hindered his development. During IPL 2023, Umran managed to secure only five wickets, and he ended the previous season without taking any. This notable downturn, according to Steyn, is largely attributed to the understanding that the team's requirements must take precedence over individual aspirations.

"At times, you find yourself thrust into the spotlight, such as in the IPL. You step onto the field with 60,000 fans cheering, and you feel compelled to sprint in and bowl at 160 kph, which is impressive. However, if that approach contradicts the game plan and disrupts the flow of play, you risk conceding 60-70 runs, which benefits neither your team nor yourself," Steyn remarked.

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