Umran Malik plans to adjust his bowling approach in the upcoming IPL matches due to ongoing injury concerns, according to a recent interview with The Telegraph. The 26-year-old fast bowler, who gained recognition for his 22 wickets in 14 games during IPL 2022 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, has faced significant challenges in recent seasons. Over the past two IPL editions, he has made only one appearance, largely due to recurring injuries that have limited his availability. Last year marked a turning point for Malik as he gradually returned to competitive cricket. After a period of recovery, he participated in one Ranji Trophy match and five Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy games for Jammu and Kashmir. However, his inconsistent performance, particularly his lack of accuracy, led to his exclusion from the team. Now, with the Kolkata Knight Riders, Malik aims to focus on varying his deliveries and reducing reliance solely on pace. “I have to follow the game plan and what the coach and captain say,” Malik explained. “Pace is my weapon, but I also need to work on other aspects, like variations. Slower deliveries are important for every bowler, especially in today’s game.” His strategy includes adapting to different conditions, such as the batter-friendly pitches in the IPL, where maintaining length and pace remains critical. Malik’s injury history has been a major obstacle, with setbacks from 2024 to mid-2025 disrupting his rhythm. To mitigate further injuries, he has prioritized fitness, diet, and sleep. “I worked on training, diet, and sleep since I sustained those injuries,” he said. “Last year, I had injuries for seven to eight months, but I focused on recovery and stayed positive.#kolkata_knight_riders #sunrisers_hyderabad #dwayne_bravo #umran_malik #the_telegraph
