Sreesanth advised Umran Malik to focus on match fitness and regular game time instead of just speed, highlighting the need for structured training, flexibility, and smart workload management for better performance.
Former Indian cricketer and World Cup winner S Sreesanth has emphasized the importance of complete preparation for fast bowlers, beyond just gym training. As IPL 2025 approaches, he highlighted the role of off-season work in shaping a player’s performance.
His comments come as Kolkata Knight Riders’ Umran Malik has been ruled out due to injury, while Lucknow Super Giants’ Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Mohsin Khan are racing to regain fitness. Sreesanth stressed the need for structured training, including flexibility exercises, meditation, and visualization, to ensure consistency. He believes India has immense talent, but disciplined preparation is key to success in modern cricket.
“What you do in the off-season is crucial. It’s not just about on-field efforts; what you do off the field is equally significant. I was very fortunate during my time-we had a strong foundation at the MRF Pace Academy, especially when dealing with injuries. We had Ramji Srinivasan Sir as our strength and conditioning coach. Even Sachin Paaji would say the same,” Sreesanth said to India Today.
“This generation has many distractions-I won’t question that. But whatever you do, never miss a training session. You must not skip flexibility exercises, meditation, or visualisation. You can’t expect results just by hitting the gym and then performing on the field. You need a structured routine-it has become so professional. Whether in the IPL or elsewhere, India has immense talent.” he added.
Sreesanth on Umran Malik’s Future
The former India pacer then advised Umran Malik to prioritize match fitness over raw pace. He noted that playing regularly is crucial and that simply working out will not guarantee success. Along with Malik, Sreesanth also backed Mayank Yadav, urging both pacers to stay confident and move forward. According to him, consistent performances will attract franchise opportunities, and young bowlers should focus on continuous improvement rather than past struggles.
“My advice to Umran – he’s a great guy with immense talent. Match fitness is key. You need to play regularly; just working out won’t bring results. You must know when to accelerate, rather than bowling at 150kph every delivery. Understanding when to push hard and how to structure training sessions is essential. Kapil Paaji always used to say, ‘The more you bowl, the better you get,” Sreesanth explained.
“The most important aspect for any fast bowler or athlete is recovery. Recovery isn’t just about going out for dinners or socialising. It includes swimming pool sessions, ice baths, and proper nutrition. One of the most crucial elements is controlling what you eat. Forget the past; focus on the new day. I have great confidence in Umran and Mayank Yadav, for that matter. 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. Life is a long journey, and many franchises will come calling,” he concluded.
