MI vs SRH: Umran Malik Reacts to Question About Decline in His Speed

The MI vs SRH game was an important fixture for the 5-time champions. Mumbai Indians desperately needed those 2 points to have a chance at the playoffs. Sunrisers Hyderabad, playing their last match this year made some changes into the playing XI including Umran Malik who wasn’t part of the team earlier. This year, Umran Malik has been on the sidelines, barely getting a chance to showcase his gameplay. There are speculations of rifts between the player and the management too.

In the seven games so far in IPL 2023 that Umran Malik has participated in, SRH’s new captain Aiden Markram has only given Umran Malik 17 overs. In 2022, Umran Malik routinely recorded speeds of 150 kph on the speedometer, but that’s not the case this season. The athlete responded quite cheekily when asked about the loss in his pace during a conversation with the host broadcasters prior to the MI vs. SRH match.

“When I wasn’t playing, I was working hard since,” says Umran Malik

“There has been no impact on my speed. If a bowler bowls just two overs…when your body is hot, only then you can fire (grins). That’s what I’m working on – bowl quick, in the right areas, and work on my variations. Last year I played all matches and bowled my overs. This year I’ve bowled fewer overs and taken just 5 wickets in 7 matches. When I wasn’t playing, I was working hard since I believe in hard work. I’ve got a chance today, hopefully, I do well,” Umran Malik said.Last year, owing to his 22 wickets, Umran Malik won the Emerging Player of the Season award. However, the player’s economy this year also has been quite high, 10.35 from 9.03.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise has yet again failed to make it to the playoffs. In the MI vs SRH game, batting first they scored 200 runs. However, the bowlers couldn’t defend the score as Mumbai Indians won the game with 8 wickets in hand. Umran Malik was the second most expensive bowler conceding 41 runs in 3 overs. Mumbai Indians are currently in the 4th position after the MI vs SRH game but their qualification will be clear after the evening fixture between RCB and GT.