Umran Malik to miss Buchi Babu Tournament due to dengue but has plan ready for India comeback ahead of Australia tour

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Umran Malik's comeback has been delayed and the express pacer would not be playing in the first leg of Buchi Babu Tournament because of dengue. Jammu and Kashmir's second match in the tournament starts from August 21 and it would be interesting to see if the 24-year-old makes himself available then.

The tearaway pacer played just one match in IPL 2024 in March, and that is also his last outing in professional cricket. In the IPL 2023, Umran Malik featured in just eight matches amid falling stocks due to his high economy rate and inconsistency.

“I would have loved to play in the tournament, but I’m just recovering from dengue,” Umran has told The Indian Express from Jammu.

Umran Malik said that even though he did not get an opportunity to play in the IPL 2024, he used his time in the practice sessions to work on his bowling.

“I was fully prepared that season (Ranji Trophy 2023-24), but the weather didn’t help. Then I was really looking forward to the IPL as I’d gained a lot in the months preceding the IPL. Unfortunately even that didn’t go the way I wanted. But it also gave me the time to work on things I wanted to in the practice sessions. I’ve definitely become a better bowler if you ask me. After the IPL, I injured my hamstring and just as I recovered I’m down with dengue,” Umran told The Indian Express.

Umran Malik bowling more with new ball, not thinking much about Australia tour

Further, Umran Malik has revealed that he was bowling more with the new ball these days as a part of his plans to become more skilful and surprise the batters. He said that same would also help him fit in the bowling groups of teams.

“These days I’m bowling a lot with the new ball because I believe swing can make a huge difference at my pace. I want to learn a few things, especially how to formulate a plan and execute it. If you have that, then you will be better prepared to handle the challenges.

"When I’m bowling in a match, it is not about myself or what I do. I’ve to fit into the bowling group and their plans and compliment them. So I need to be equipped on that front. Even with the new ball, I’m trying to bowl yorkers because if I’m able to execute it properly, then I will get the confidence to bowl it all the time. You need to find ways to surprise the batsmen,” Umran Malik said.

A pacer like Umran Malik, who bowls regularly in excess of 150 km/h would be of great help for India in SENA countries. His name has often done the round ahead of tours to these nations, and with India set to travel to Australia for a five-match series later this year, eyes are again on Umran. The youngster wishes to first get back on the park, and become a better bowler by playing domestic matches.

“I want to keep it simple. My plan is to be ready for the domestic season. If I play more matches, then I would definitely be a better bowler. Even though I played only five Ranji matches, I realised how much I gained out of it. I’m waiting for the Duleep Trophy. If I play the entire season then I will know where exactly I stand and it will open up opportunities. I’m waiting to hold the red ball in my hand,” he said.