Sreesanth backs injury-prone Umran Malik to make strong comeback
What's the story
Former Indian fast bowler, Santhakumaran Sreesanth, has come out in support of injury-prone pacer Umran Malik.
With IPL 2025 just around the corner, several young Indian bowlers are nursing injuries.
Malik was released by SunRisers Hyderabad and was slated to play for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) but had to withdraw due to an injury days before the tournament.
Meanwhile, KKR have roped in Chetan Sakariya as Malik's replacement.
Here are further details.
Training focus
Sreesanth emphasizes on training, recovery
Sreesanth lauded Malik's dedication to raw pace but advised him to be smarter with his training and recovery.
He emphasized how young bowlers need to focus on match fitness and smart field management to achieve consistent success.
"Match fitness is key. You need to play regularly; just working out won't bring results," Sreesanth stated while talking to IndiaToday.in, stressing on the importance of a structured routine in professional cricket.
Training insights
Sreesanth's advice on training and recovery
Sharing his own experience at MRF Pace Academy, Sreesanth stressed what you do off the field is equally important.
Quoting Kapil Dev, he said, "The more you bowl, the better you get," and emphasized young bowlers should never miss a training session.
Sreesanth also stressed on recovery for fast bowlers: "Recovery isn't just about going out for dinners or socializing. It includes swimming pool sessions, ice baths, and proper nutrition."
Seizing opportunities
Sreesanth encourages young bowlers to seize opportunities
Quoting Virat Kohli, Sreesanth urged young fast bowlers to leave no stone unturned and grab the opportunities.
He said, "Forget the past; focus on the new day... It's about having the belief: 'I will play for my country and win matches for my team.' To achieve that, you must adhere to a disciplined routine."
This advice comes as many franchises are facing fitness issues over their young pacers ahead of IPL 2025.
Numbers
Pacer's international and IPL numbers
Malik owns 13 ODI scalps in 10 matches at 30.69. In nine innings he owns the best bowling figures of 3/57.
According to ESPNcricinfo, in eight T20Is he has bagged 11 wickets at 22.09 alongside an economy rating of 10.48.
Meanwhile, in the IPL, he has picked up 29 wickets in 26 matches at 26.62 and an economy of 9.40. He also owns one four and five-wicket haul each.
This also includes a five-wicket haul.