Umran Malik would rather talk about the next ball than the last 12 months, yet the two are linked. Sidelined since IPL 2024 by hamstring and hip problems – with an untimely bout of flu thrown in – the 25-year-old quick is finally ready to bowl again. He will miss the opening round of the Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai, but is pencilled in for Jammu & Kashmir’s second-round fixture against Baroda on 22 August. If all goes to plan, the Ranji Trophy follows.
“I’m feeling good. I haven’t played cricket for a long time,” he said on the edge of the practice nets. “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 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.”
Those matches in Kashmir were unofficial, but useful. They allowed Malik to test his body away from the spotlight before reporting to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a six-month rehab block. The support staff there, he insists, made the difference.
“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,” he said. “Injury is a part of life for a sportsman… I kept myself strong. I kept my mindset right. Everything is fine now.”
India supporters remember the noise he generated in IPL 2022, when the speed gun flashed 156.9kph and 22 wickets arrived for Sunrisers Hyderabad. International white-ball debuts followed, but so did niggles – the price of pace. Medical staff have since focused on strengthening his core and hips; coaches have encouraged a smoother run-up to ease stress on the hamstrings. Malik himself has been working on “three-four new variations”, though he prefers to keep the details quiet.
“Yeah, I’ll be bowling in full rhythm now,” he added. “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.”
Preparation has also involved time with Abhishek Nayar in Chennai. Nayar, back on Kolkata Knight Riders’ coaching roster during IPL 2025, offered technical feedback while Malik continued his rehab with the franchise. Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association, for their part, arranged extra training camps in Srinagar and Jammu.
“J&K Cricket Association has been supporting me,” Malik said. “They are setting up some good camps.”
For selectors, the equation is straightforward: a fit Malik who can last four-day cricket becomes an asset again. India’s Test attack has depth, but genuine 150kph-plus options remain rare. Domestic cricket – flat tracks, long spells, the odd thankless day – will show whether his body can cope.
For Malik, the immediate goal is simpler: bowl, recover, repeat. The first stride back begins in Chennai next week.
