Umran Malik eyes return with J&K
Umran Malik prepared for his cricket comeback after a year out with injury, targeting success in the Buchi Babu tournament.
It has been over a year since Umran Malik last played competitive cricket. His final outing came during IPL 2024 when he featured for Sunrisers Hyderabad in a match against Mumbai Indians, which SRH won by 31 runs. Malik bowled just one over in that high-scoring contest, conceding 15 runs.
After appearing in only one game for SRH that season, the pacer was released ahead of the mega auction and was later picked by Kolkata Knight Riders at his base price. However, an injury ruled him out of the tournament before it began.
Malik had burst onto the scene as a tearaway quick capable of regularly bowling above 150kph. In IPL 2021, he took 22 wickets in 14 games for SRH, which earned him an India debut in the same year. Since then, his career has been hampered by injuries and illness, limiting his appearances for both club and country.
Now, the 25-year-old is set to make his competitive return. He will represent Jammu and Kashmir in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai. Malik said playing enough red-ball and T20 matches in Kashmir helped him prepare for the season ahead.
“I’m feeling good. I haven’t played cricket for a long time. I was injured for seven-eight months. It was a struggling phase. It feels really good to be back,” Malik told ESPNcricinfo. “I have played a lot of red-ball and T20 matches in Kashmir. It was our registration camp. We have come to Chennai for the Buchi Babu. It is good to play as many matches as I can. It is good for my body’s workload. I’ve come back and will do well in the season. That’s my aim.”
Malik spent nearly six months at the BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru undergoing rehabilitation. He admitted it was a tough period but credited his mental strength for staying positive.
ALSO READ | Former Bowler Suggests Retirement for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan if Respect Is Compromised
“Injury is a part of life for a sportsman. It is bound to happen. At that time, I kept myself strong. I kept my mindset right. Everything is fine now,” he said.
“Yeah, I’ll be bowling in full rhythm now. I’m a sportsman and I don’t pay attention to social media. Actually, I want to play cricket. I just want to protect my body from injuries, and I want to play cricket well. I want to play for India and that’s my aim. I will play the matches after this Buchi Babu, and I think the Ranji Trophy. Hopefully, I can take wickets and make a comeback,” he added.
The fast bowler has also been training with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who is now back with KKR. Malik revealed he has been working on adding new weapons to his bowling arsenal.
“I’m developing three-four new variations. I’m also working with Abhishek, P Krishna Kumar (J&K bowling coach) and Ajay Sharma, he is our head coach. I had a camp with Abhishek two weeks back here in Chennai and it felt good to work with him,” he said.
Dafabet
- Maximum Cricket Cashback 10%
- India Super League Cashback
- Common wallet 100% deposit bonus up to ₹8,000 !
Last Updated on August 20, 2025
