Umran Malik, the Jammu and Kashmir speedster, is once again making headlines, this time with a direct message to the Indian selectors, particularly Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir. After a period away from the national team, Malik is eager to make a comeback and prove his worth on the international stage.
Malik last played for India in July 2023. Since then, the landscape of Indian fast bowling has evolved, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh solidifying their places. This has increased the competition for a spot in the team.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Malik addressed his comeback plans. "When I was playing earlier, there was this much competition. Now also the competition is the same. I don't think there is any competition. When I am fully fit and take wickets like this, why won't they let me play? They will let me play if I take wickets. That's it," he asserted.
Malik acknowledges the changes in the team dynamics but remains confident in his abilities. He believes that consistent performance and wicket-taking will pave his way back into the national side. "It is not that I will feel bad mentally. I know that I will do well now. I will come back to the India team. I have confidence in myself because I am the only one who bowls at 150," he stated.
While his raw pace has been his signature, Malik reveals he's been working on adding more variety to his bowling. "But now I am bowling slower (balls) as well, which I am working on, and also the yorker. I am doing that in red-ball formats too, I'm working hard there. The rest is up to the selectors when they let me play. I am doing better now. Playing again for India is my aim now," he explained. This suggests a more rounded approach, aiming to complement his speed with কৌশল and control.
Malik also offered his perspective on the role of a fast bowler. "Let me tell you one thing. Those who bowl 150 are not strike bowlers, they are attacking bowlers. They will be hit for 30 (runs) in four (overs) but will also give you wickets. A fast bowler is like that. He should know what he has to do. A bowler who bowls at 150 knows that he is a king and he has to back himself. Not everyone can bowl 150kph. It takes real guts to bowl at 150kph and I have been doing this for the last five years," he said. He emphasizes the importance of an aggressive mindset and self-belief for a bowler with his kind of pace.
The pressure is now on chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir to take note of Malik's message and evaluate his current form and fitness. While raw pace is a valuable asset, the team management will also be looking for consistency, control, and adaptability before considering him for selection. The coming months will be crucial for Umran Malik as he aims to prove that he has evolved into a more complete bowler ready to contribute to the Indian team's success.
