“After the IPL, I injured my hamstring and just as I recovered I’m down with dengue” – Umran Malik

India’s gun fast bowler Umran Malik has revealed he suffered a hamstring injury after the conclusion of IPL 2024. When Malik recuperated from the hamstring injury, he went down with dengue fever. 

Meanwhile, Malik plays for Jammu and Kashmir in the domestic circuit but picked four wickets from five matches at an average of 38.50 in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 season.

Malik is known to bowl consistently above 145 kmph but hasn’t been in the best of forms. The gun pacer played a solitary match for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024 but could not take a single wicket.

The fast bowler had a breakthrough season in IPL 2022, when he picked up 22 wickets in 14 matches for the Orange Army but has veered off the track since then.

Speaking to Indian Express, Umran Malik said, “I was fully prepared that season, 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 to. 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.”

Despite a disappointing run in the previous season, Malik is optimistic of turning the tables in the upcoming domestic season.

“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,” Umran stated.

Malik has all the talent under his arsenal and he would look to come up with consistent performances.