In a bold declaration that has sent ripples through the cricketing fraternity, India’s express pace sensation, Umran Malik, has asserted his unique position in the game, unequivocally stating that ‘Those Who Bowl At 150 Kmph Are Kings‘. This breaking news analysis comes as Malik makes a determined return from an injury lay-off, his sights firmly set on donning the coveted India colours once more. His candid remarks highlight an unshakeable belief in his inherent gift of raw speed, now complemented by refined skills like slower balls and a sharper yorker.

The King’s Decree: Umran’s Unwavering Belief in Pace

Malik’s pronouncements are not just about personal ambition; they are a philosophy for fast bowling. ‘Let me tell you one thing. Those who bowl 150 are not strike bowlers, they are attacking bowlers. They will be hit for 30 (runs) in four (overs) but will also give you wickets. A fast bowler is like that. He should know what he has to do,‘ Umran told select media after a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) match. This statement is a powerful insight into the psyche of an express pacer, acknowledging the inherent risk-reward nature of bowling at breakneck speed. While economy rates might sometimes suffer, the ability to unsettle batsmen and generate wicket-taking opportunities is unparalleled.

His follow-up statement further cemented this conviction: ‘A bowler who bowls at 150 knows that he is a king and he has to back himself. Not everyone can bowl 150kph. It takes real guts to bowl at 150kph and I have been doing this for the last five years.‘ This is where Malik truly distinguishes himself. In the highly competitive world of international cricket, genuine express pace is a rare commodity. Historically, bowlers like Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee, Dale Steyn, and more recently, Jofra Archer or Lockie Ferguson, have proven that the sheer intimidation and discomfort generated by consistently hitting 150 kmph can dismantle even the most accomplished batting line-ups. It’s a psychological weapon as much as a physical one, forcing batsmen onto the back foot and creating opportunities through mistakes, hurrying them into shots, or even just through sheer fear.

Pace as an ‘Art’: Natural Talent vs. Hard Work

Umran’s unique perspective on speed delves deeper into its origins. He firmly believes that ‘Bowling 150kph is an art, you can’t go directly from 137 to 145. Do training, do whatever you want — this is natural, this is all natural.‘ This is a crucial distinction. While modern cricket emphasizes meticulous training, biomechanics, and diet, Umran posits that the raw, intrinsic capability to bowl at such searing speeds is a natural gift, not merely a product of hard work. This perspective resonates with many who believe that while skills can be honed, certain physical attributes, like the ability to generate extreme pace, are largely innate.

However, Malik also understands the importance of maintaining this gift. ‘You need to train yourself accordingly, eat properly, rest properly, keep your body fresh so that you’re ready for the process tomorrow. Speed is my natural aspect, how can I compromise on that? Training, running, cardio — you have to maintain. There is no special diet. Pace is my strength. I have to regain my strength,‘ he elaborated. This demonstrates a mature understanding that natural talent, while foundational, requires rigorous discipline and dedicated maintenance to sustain peak performance, especially for a pace bowler whose body endures immense stress.

The Quest for India Colours: Adding Nuance to Raw Speed

Despite being away from the Indian team since July 2023, after having taken 24 wickets across 10 ODIs and 8 T20Is, Umran’s confidence remains unshaken. ‘It is not that I will feel bad mentally. I know that I will do well now. I will come back to the India team. I have confidence in myself because I am the only one who bowls at 150,‘ he declared. This self-belief is a vital asset for any elite athlete, but especially for a fast bowler who often operates at the edge of physical and mental endurance.

Crucially, Malik is not just relying on his express pace. He’s evolved. ‘But now I am bowling slower (balls) as well, which I am working on, and also the yorker. I am doing that in red-ball formats too, I’m working hard there,‘ he stated. This signifies a significant development in his game. While raw pace is invaluable, modern white-ball cricket, particularly the T20 format, demands a diverse arsenal. Batsmen are increasingly adept at countering pure speed on flat pitches. The addition of deceptive slower balls and a pin-point yorker will make Umran a far more complete and dangerous bowler, capable of outsmarting batsmen rather than just overpowering them. This strategic depth is often the difference between a good fast bowler and a world-class one, allowing them to thrive even when conditions aren’t conducive to express pace.

Navigating India’s High-Stakes Competition

India’s fast bowling reserves are arguably among the deepest in the world, with established stars like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and promising talents like Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna vying for spots. Yet, Umran remains unfazed by this intense competition. ‘When I was playing earlier, there was this much competition. Now also the competition is the same. I don’t think there is any competition. When I am fully fit and take wickets like this, why won’t they let me play? They will let me play if I take wickets. That’s it,‘ he asserted. While seemingly dismissive of competition, this perspective underlines a pragmatic focus on performance. For Malik, the pathway back is clear: consistent wicket-taking spells at the domestic level.

His immediate goal reflects this practical approach: ‘I have a simple target: to play all matches (for his home state) and become the highest wicket-taker for my team in Syed Mushtaq Ali.‘ Even in his comeback, Umran is making an impact, already having claimed five wickets from two matches, including an impressive 3/37 against Uttar Pradesh, where he troubled batsmen like Aryan Juyal, Karan Sharma, and the dangerous Rinku Singh with his raw pace. This demonstrates that he is walking the talk, focusing on tangible results rather than just rhetoric.

Battling Setbacks: The Mental Fortitude of an Express Pacer

The journey of an express fast bowler is often fraught with injuries, a testament to the immense strain their bodies endure. Umran, who once clocked an astounding 156.7kph in IPL 2024 (a personal best that exemplifies his natural speed), has since battled multiple injuries and illness, missing the entire 2024-25 domestic season and IPL 2025. His comeback to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy after nearly 17 months speaks volumes about his perseverance.

Despite these significant setbacks, Umran’s mental fortitude shines through. ‘Anyone can get injured. Any batsman, bowler, fielder, anyone can get injured. You just have to know how to get out of it. I never think about my career. I think about what I have to do the next day, what training I have to do — bowling, batting, fielding. It’s all in God’s hands who has a career and who doesn’t,‘ he explained. This pragmatic and positive mindset is critical for recovery and a sustained career at the top level. He spent six months at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, working on his recovery, and also trained with Abhishek Nayar, known for his work in player development, indicating a structured and professional approach to his comeback.

Furthermore, Malik views injuries not merely as obstacles but as learning opportunities. ‘I think injury also teaches you a lot of things… your mindset, your body, what to do. If we play cricket for 10 years, there will be injuries. You have to keep your mindset strong. You have to keep those people with you who are positive. You have to stay away from negative people during an injury,‘ he reflected. This holistic understanding of an athlete’s journey, emphasizing mental resilience and a supportive environment, is indicative of a maturing player who understands the long game.

The Longevity of Pace

There’s often a concern that express pace diminishes with age. Umran, however, dismisses the idea of losing his natural speed significantly. ‘You can never bowl at 150 directly. You can bowl 138, 140, 142. It starts like that. I think that as long as I play, I should be positive. I don’t want to show pace to anyone. I want to show my wickets. Even if I bowl from 150 to 140 after 10 years, it doesn’t mean that I will bowl from 150 to 135 or 130,‘ he confidently stated. This is a realistic yet ambitious outlook. Maintaining 150+ kmph throughout a long career is exceptionally difficult, but consistently hitting the high 140s is still elite pace and highly effective. His emphasis on wickets over pure speed suggests a growing understanding of performance metrics and impact.

Beyond white-ball cricket, Umran also expressed his readiness for the longer format: ‘There is nothing different. Yes, I am ready to play in all formats.‘ This versatility and aspiration to excel in Test cricket, where sustained pace and endurance are paramount, indicates his comprehensive ambition.

Umran Malik’s journey back to the national team will undoubtedly be one of the most compelling narratives in Indian cricket. Armed with a renewed body, a sharper skillset, and an unwavering belief in his unique gift of pace, the ‘King’ of 150 kmph is ready to reclaim his throne. His performances in domestic cricket will be under intense scrutiny, as selectors weigh the undeniable X-factor of his speed against the consistent demands of international cricket. Cricket fans eagerly await the next chapter in the story of India’s fastest bowler.

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