Umran admits that missing out on valuable game time in the Ranji Trophy contributed to this tough phase. After working closely with Dale Steyn at the IPL, he worked with former India pacer Irfan Pathan during the domestic season too. But with the weather playing spoilsport in Jammu & Kashmir Ranji fixtures, he bowled only 47 overs the entire season.

“I was fully prepared that season, but the weather didn’t help. Then I was really looking forward to the IPL as I’d gained a lot in the months preceding the IPL. Unfortunately even that didn’t go the way I wanted. But it also gave me the time to work on things I wanted to in the practice sessions. I’ve definitely become a better bowler if you ask me. After the IPL, I injured my hamstring and just as I recovered I’m down with dengue,” Umran adds.

Umran Malik after picking a wicket for the Indian team against New Zealand during the ODI series in 2023. (FILE)

The recurrent setbacks have been a tough pill to swallow. But the coming season will be a fresh beginning of sorts for the 24-year-old, who has also used the time to work with Irfan to make minor tweaks to his action. “Last season, he was opening up a bit too early but I didn’t want to advise him in the middle of the tournament because it can confuse a player,” Pathan says.

No compromise on pace

In a recent interview with The Indian Express, Paras Mhambrey, who was India’s bowling coach till the T20 World Cup said Umran has to find control that will complement his pace. While India has seen the likes of Munaf Patel compromise pace in favour of swing and control, the latter doesn’t want the same to happen with Umran. Instead, Pathan has now made him bowl a lot with the new ball as it would bring more control to his bowling.

“First of all I don’t want him to compromise on pace. That’s the most important thing. I want him to bowl with a new ball in the nets which will allow him to gain better control. If he bowls with the new ball regularly, he will have a better idea of the length. He will also understand that swing will come with good wrist position. This is the primary focus, but other than this, he has been working on his yorkers,” Pathan says.

If Umran is spending time with Pathan to add more arsenal to his bowling, once he is at the National Cricket Academy he concentrates on the fitness aspect, nuancing tactics and other variations with Troy Cooley, who was bowling coach of England and Australia team in the past decade.

“These days I’m bowling a lot with the new ball because I believe swing can make a huge difference at my pace. I want to learn a few things, especially how to formulate a plan and execute it. If you have that, then you will be better prepared to handle the challenges. When I’m bowling in a match, it is not about myself or what I do. I’ve to fit into the bowling group and their plans and compliment them. So I need to be equipped on that front. Even with the new ball, I’m trying to bowl yorkers because if I’m able to execute it properly, then I will get the confidence to bowl it all the time. You need to find ways to surprise the batsmen,” Umran says.

With the important tour of Australia slated at the end of the year where India will play five Tests, the selectors and the team management are keenly tracking Umran. With India’s pace bowling resources thin, a fully fit and in-form Umran could be a handy asset on the quick and bouncy Australian conditions. Speaking to reporters recently in Chennai, former India bowling coach Bharat Arun spoke on the need to groom Umran for the Australia series.

Umran is tempted by the prospect of bowling in Australia, but for now his priority is get back on the field. “I want to keep it simple. My plan is to be ready for the domestic season. If I play more matches, then I would definitely be a better bowler. Even though I played only five Ranji matches, I realised how much I gained out of it. I’m waiting for the Duleep Trophy. If I play the entire season then I will know where exactly I stand and it will open up opportunities. I’m waiting to hold the red ball in my hand,” Umran says.