Dale Steyn Recalls When Umran Malik Proved Him Wrong with 155kph Yorker
Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn recently shared an interesting anecdote about Indian pacer Umran Malik, recalling a moment when the young speedster went against his advice during their time at Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL.
Steyn, who spent considerable time mentoring Umran, once suggested that the 25-year-old pacer bowl more slower balls, similar to senior pro Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who used the delivery effectively. Steyn recommended that Umran bowl at least two slower balls per spell to add variety to his bowling.
However, in a match in Mumbai, when the moment came to bowl a slower ball, Umran instead bowled a scorching 155kph yorker that knocked over the stumps, proving Steyn wrong. “I told him to bowl a slower ball, but he ran in and bowled a gas yorker. The stumps went flying, and it was a perfect delivery,” Steyn shared during an interview with ESPN Cricinfo’s Cricket Monthly.
Steyn, who referred to Umran as a "Ferrari" for his raw pace, admitted that sometimes the field proves the coach wrong. "Sometimes the stats don't really matter. The master on the field can just go with what feels right. He proved me wrong, and that’s his skill," said Steyn.
Umran Malik's Career Setbacks
Umran Malik’s promising career has recently faced a significant setback, as the fast bowler has been ruled out of IPL 2025 due to injury. Once hailed as India’s next big fast bowling talent, Umran's progress has been marred by consistent fitness issues. His performances in the IPL have declined, with just five wickets in 2023 and a wicketless return in 2024.
Steyn believes that Umran’s downfall is partly due to the pressure of trying to bowl at extreme speeds without considering the team’s strategy. “When you’re out there with thousands of fans screaming, you feel like you have to bowl at 160kph. But if it doesn’t align with the game plan, it could cost your team runs,” Steyn explained.
Umran Malik was initially picked by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹75 lakh at the IPL 2025 mega auction, but his ongoing injury issues have overshadowed hopes of a comeback to competitive cricket.