"When your body is hot, only then you can fire" - Umran Malik gives cheeky reply when asked about decline in speed in IPL 2023

Umran Malik feels that bowling fewer overs in IPL 2023 matches may have impacted his speed. The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer has not been used to his full potential this year, but he mentioned that he had been working hard and is hoping to perform well.

SRH's new captain Aiden Markram gave only 17 overs to Umran Malik in the seven matches that he has played so far in IPL 2023. Malik would frequently clock 150 kmph on the speedometer in 2022, but the same was not the case this season.

When asked about the decline in his speed during a chat with the host broadcasters before the match against Mumbai Indians, Umran Malik said:

"There has been no impact on my speed. If a bowler bowls just two overs...when your body is hot, only then you can fire (grins). That's what I'm working on - bowl quick, in the right areas and work on my variations."

Malik won the Emerging Player of the Season award in IPL 2022 for taking 22 wickets in 14 matches. His numbers have declined in IPL 2023 as he has managed only five wickets in seven games so far. His economy rate has also increased to 10.35 from 9.03.

"When I wasn't bowling, I was working hard" - Umran Malik opens up on being dropped by SRH in IPL 2023

Malik has received a place in SRH's playing XI for their match against Mumbai Indians today. He will play his first match of IPL 2023 since the game against Delhi Capitals on April 29.

Reflecting on that decision from the team management, Malik commented:

"Last year I played all matches and bowled my overs. This year I've bowled fewer overs and taken just 5 wickets in 7 matches. When I wasn't playing, I was working hard since I believe in hard work. I've got a chance today, hopefully I do well."

MI have won the toss and opted to field first against SRH. It will be interesting to see how Umran Malik performs in the second innings.