Former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowling coach Dale Steyn made a huge statement on Umran Malik’s decline ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Steyn stated that Malik should not focus on his pace, adding that the young pacer must be efficient in terms of controlling runs and taking wickets.
Steyn worked with Umran Malik during his tenure with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2022 and 2023. Malik took 22 wickets in 14 matches during the 2022 season. The right-arm fast bowler impressed with his raw pace and wicket-taking ability, even clocking a speed of 156.9 kph during the tournament.
Umran Malik Not Retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad Ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction
Umran Malik earned a spot in the Indian national team following his impressive performances in the IPL 2022. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler played 18 international matches (10 ODIs and 8 T20Is), taking 24 wickets. However, he was not in the scheme of things since 2023 due to his high economy rate.
Malik managed only five wickets in eight games in the IPL 2023 at a disappointing economy of 10.85. His form worsened in IPL 2024, where he played just one match for Sunrisers Hyderabad, conceding 15 runs in a single over. The Hyderabad-based franchise did not retain him for the IPL 2025 season.
Fast Bowlers Are Much the Same – Dale Steyn
In an interaction with ESPNcricinfo, Dale Steyn raised concerns that Umran Malik is fading from the spotlight. He said that Malik should focus on improving his control and wicket-taking ability.
“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.
It’s Not Going to Even Do You Any Good – Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn said that Umran Malik became too focused on his reputation as a speedster, which ultimately worked against him. Steyn warned that failing to control pace effectively could result in being dropped from the team, adding that controlling speed ensures long-term success.
“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 further added.
“A couple of games later, you might find yourself out of the team and a season later, you might not find yourself within any franchises. So, you really have to harness that speed and make sure you are using it well.”
The 25-year-old pacer was acquired by defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2025 auction. However, it is reported that he is still recovering from a hip injury and has yet to join KKR’s training camp.
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