Umran Malik, the young and fiery pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, who made headlines with his blistering pace during the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL), is determined to regain the trust of national selectors after a challenging period marred by inconsistent performances and injuries.

Malik burst onto the scene with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where his raw pace earned him a call-up to the Indian national team. However, his journey since then has been turbulent. In the 2024 IPL season, the 24-year-old speedster found himself on the sidelines, playing just one match and bowling a single over. Despite these setbacks, Malik is focused on refining his skills and making a strong comeback.

Reflecting on his recent challenges, Malik shared, "The IPL didn't go the way I wanted, but it gave me time to work on things in practice sessions. I’ve definitely become a better bowler. After the IPL, I injured my hamstring and just as I recovered, I got dengue," he told Indian Express.

One of the key areas Malik is working on is his control. Despite consistently clocking speeds above 150kph, his economy rate has been a concern. India's former bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, had pointed out that Malik's lack of control led to captain Rohit Sharma losing confidence in him.

"These days, I’m bowling a lot with the new ball because I believe swing can make a huge difference at my pace," Malik explained. "I want to learn how to formulate a plan and execute it."

Looking ahead, Malik is gearing up for the upcoming domestic season, viewing it as a platform to showcase his improvements. "I want to keep it simple. My plan is to be ready for the domestic season. If I play more matches, I would definitely be a better bowler," he said.

Malik's immediate focus is on recovering from dengue and participating in the prestigious All India Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, starting on August 15, although his availability remains uncertain. The pacer is also eager to compete in the Duleep Trophy, where he hopes to solidify his place and open up new opportunities.

"If I play the entire season, I will know where exactly I stand, and it will open up opportunities. I’m waiting to hold the red ball in my hand," Malik concluded, signaling his readiness to prove himself once again on the cricket field.