Jammu & Kashmir’s bowling coach, P. Krishnakumar, has thrown light on the key factor behind pacer Umran Malik recent improvement: a mindset shift focused on swinging the ball at his fiery pace.
Umran Malik, known for his raw speed, hadn’t yet unlocked his full potential in international cricket. Krishnakumar revealed he had lengthy discussions with the young bowler, emphasizing the importance of pitching the ball up and swinging it both ways for sustained success.
“He had the mindset, ‘I will bowl quick,'” Krishnakumar said as per The Hindu. “But at the end of the day, wickets matter. You have to have wickets if you want to get selected.”
To break this mindset, the coach sent Umran Malik a barrage of video clips featuring legendary fast bowlers like James Anderson and Andrew Flintoff, showcasing their ability to swing the ball even at high speeds. The daily dose of inspiration worked wonders.
“Now, he’s swinging the ball regularly, and his pitching has gone between 6 and 7 metres, which is fantastic,” Krishnakumar exclaimed. “He also feels confident that he can pitch it there. This change in mindset was crucial.”
Umran Malik swings
The coach further debunked the myth that controlling the ball becomes difficult at high speeds. He cited examples of bowlers like Dale Steyn and Jasprit Bumrah, proving that swing and speed can coexist effectively.
“When I joined (the J&K team), he wasn’t sure about swinging at 150 kph,” Krishnakumar recalled. “But he saw it himself, and now he’s saying, ‘Sir, I’m very confident that I can pitch it (up) there.'”
This newfound confidence is already translating into better performances. Umran Malik’s recent bowling spells against Delhi and Odisha in the Ranji Trophy impressed the coach, despite not translating into wickets.
“He bowled brilliantly,” Krishnakumar emphasized. “The trust is there now, and things are happening.”
He lauded Malik’s down-to-earth nature and eagerness to learn, calling it his standout quality. With the right mindset and continuous improvement, Umran Malik seems poised to unleash his full potential and become a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.
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