The story of Umran Malik, once hailed as the future of Indian fast bowling, is a tale of meteoric rise followed by an equally dramatic decline. From being the speedster who terrorized batters with his raw pace in IPL 2022 to struggling for form and fitness ahead of IPL 2025, Malik’s journey has been a rollercoaster ride. Former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowling coach Dale Steyn’s recent remarks on Malik’s decline have reignited discussions about what went wrong for the “Jammu Express” and how he can bounce back.
The meteoric rise of Umran Malik
Malik burst onto the scene during IPL 2021 when his raw pace turned heads. Retained by SRH for ₹4 crore ahead of IPL 2022, Malik justified the faith with a stellar season. He claimed 22 wickets in 14 matches, including a five-wicket haul, and consistently clocked speeds exceeding 150 km/h. His fastest delivery of 157 km/h against Delhi Capitals remains one of the fastest by an Indian bowler.
His performances earned him a spot in India’s white-ball squads in 2022. In 18 international appearances (10 ODIs and eight T20Is), he scalped 24 wickets. However, his high economy rate became a concern, leading to his exclusion from the national side by 2023.
Dale Steyn calls Malik a ‘Ferrari stuck in sixth gear’
Steyn, who played a pivotal role in nurturing Malik during his time at SRH, recently commented on the pacer’s struggles. Steyn likened Malik to a Ferrari stuck in sixth gear, emphasizing that sheer speed alone cannot guarantee success. He pointed out that Malik often got caught up in the hype of bowling fast without focusing on control and game awareness.
“Just like a Ferrari has six gears, you don’t have to use all six gears. The Ferrari still can operate in first, second and third and fast bowlers are much the same. They got to be able to know when to use their gears,” Steyn said to ESPNcricinfo.
Malik’s IPL performances began to dip after his breakout season. In IPL 2023, he managed just five wickets in eight games at an alarming economy rate of 10.85. The following year was even worse; he played only one match for SRH in IPL 2024 and conceded 15 runs in a single over. Injuries compounded his woes, with a hip issue sidelining him for most of the domestic season.
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Steyn’s sternly warns Malik
Steyn’s critique was blunt but constructive. The South African legend explained, referencing Malik’s obsession with speed. The warning echoed Malik’s 2023 struggles, where his economy rates mirrored Steyn’s prophecy. The lesson? Raw pace without strategy is a liability.
“I think sometimes what happens is some guys get into the game and they get caught up by what’s happening all around them. 60,000 people chanting and screaming and you feel like, ‘I’ve got to run in and I got to bowl 160 kph’, which is great. But, if it goes against the game plan and it goes against the run of play, you’re going to go for 60,70 and that’s not going to do your team any good. It’s not going to even do you any good,” Steyn added.
KKR’s gamble: A new chapter or last chance?
In November 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) threw Malik a lifeline, signing him for IPL 2025. For the pacer, it’s a shot at reinvention. However, reports of his delayed camp arrival due to injury recovery raise questions. KKR’s faith hinges on whether Malik can channel his Ferrari-like speed into a more nuanced arsenal—slower balls, yorkers, and tactical bouncers.
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