T20 not a format to judge a prospect: Paras Mhambrey on Umran Malik

Umran Malik came into the limelight for his thunderbolts in the Indian Premier League (IPL) while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He bowled consistently at 150 KMPH, which caught the attention of the national selectors. Following a good season in the IPL, he was picked in the Indian side. He made his debut in 2022 and played the last of his 13 international appearances in July 2023 against West Indies.

Since then, there have barely been talks of him playing for India, and there seems to be little to no chance of him making the cut. Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey believes Umran is a "classic case" of someone who came into the limelight due to his performances in T20s and has now slowly faded away.

"Umran is a classic case of someone who has not played enough red-ball cricket," Mhambrey told The Indian Express. 

"He came into reckoning through the IPL. That's 24 balls in a game. Sometimes, you don't even get to bowl 24 balls. The amount of pressure in bowling 24 balls is not like the red ball. I feel this [T20] is not a format to judge a prospect."

Mhambrey believes playing first-class cricket toughens a player up, and it is no different for Umran. "For all the perks that come with bowling in the IPL, it has its repercussions as well," Mhambrey continued. 

"We made sure that he played Ranji Trophy and red-ball cricket. The moment you play one season, you understand your bowling. Physically, you will be tested in different phases of the game. Sometimes, you will have to be on the ground for six sessions. And to be able to bowl with that intensity when the last session is coming up, you will be physically and mentally challenged. And you need to go through that."

Umran has played 12 first-class matches since he made his debut in 2021, picking up 16 wickets at 44.62. The Jammu & Kashmir pacer was due to play in the upcoming Duleep Trophy but pulled out due to illness.

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