It’s been over a year since Umran Malik was last seen playing competitive cricket.
Playing for the country, Umran consistently bowled at the speed of 150 kmph or more. However, he often struggled with line and length and his economy rate of 10.49 from 8 T20Is is a testimony of that.
The Jammu & Kashmir lad also made sporadic appearances in ODIs but failed to leave a mark, taking 13 wickets from 10 matches at an economy of 6.54.
As he lost his place in the Indian side, Umran’s IPL graph also went downhill. While SRH enjoyed a stellar run to the tournament's final last year, the tearaway quick played just one match. He didn't get to bowl his full quota of overs in that game as well, delivering only one over for 15 runs.
The 25-year-old was released by SRH ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, where he was signed by KKR at his base price. However, he was ruled out of the league before it got underway due to an injury.
Now, Umran Malik is plotting his competitive return and is set to feature in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai. He has built up the workload for season ahead, having played enough red-ball and T20 matches in Kashmir.
“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 Center of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation. He’s currently focused on maintaining the right mindset while avoiding outside chatter.
“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," Malik 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.
Malik has also been training with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who rejoined the KKR set-up after being sacked by the BCCI earlier this year.
“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.