Umran Malik Set To Return With "3-4 New Variations"

The tearaway quick from Jammu & Kashmir, Umran Malik, is finally set to return to competitive cricket after almost 17 months on the sidelines. The last time the speedster was seen in action was during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, when he turned out for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in March. There, the right-arm pacer bowled just one over and conceded 15 runs.

Following the season, SRH released him ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, where Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured his services. However, Umran was ruled out of the entire tournament due to a combination of hamstring and hip injuries, which had also kept him away from domestic cricket.

Now, fully fit and raring to go, the 24-year-old is currently in Chennai and will turn out for Jammu & Kashmir in the second round of the Buchi Babu tournament against Baroda from August 22. "I'm feeling good. I haven't played cricket for a long time," Malik told ESPNcricinfo.

"I was injured for seven-eight months. It was a struggling phase. It feels really good to be back. 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."

Umran credited his recovery to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, where he spent months working on rehabilitation under expert guidance. "Nishanta (Bordoloi, strength and conditioning coach) was helping me. Thulasi (Ram Yuvaraj, physio) sir and Suresh (Rathore, physio) sir and (VVS) Laxman (CoE chief) sir - he gave me everything (I needed). Thanks to the BCCI.

"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."

The express pacer has already represented India in 10 ODIs and 8 T20Is, claiming 24 wickets across formats. While his last international appearance was back in 2023, Umran insists he is determined to earn his spot back in the national side.

"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.

"J&K Cricket Association has been supporting me. They are setting up some good camps. I keep talking to Mithun Manhas (JKCA's cricket and operations head). I do simple things, and just like I used to bowl earlier, I do the same.

"I'm developing three-four new variations. I'm also working with Abhishek (Nayar), 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."