Tearaway Umran Malik is expected to make a comeback in the existing Buchi Babu tournament and the forthcoming Ranji Trophy after missing the entire 2024–25 domestic season and the 2025 Indian Premier League due to numerous bouts of illness and injuries.
The Buchi Babu tournament began on August 18 in Chennai, and Malik, 25, is not taking part in the first round. He will, however, play for Jammu & Kashmir against Baroda in the second round starting on August 22. Umran Malik last participated in the IPL 2024, but he believes his body is now prepared to handle the demands of domestic cricket after bouncing back from hamstring and hip problems.
“I feel fine. During the Buchi Babu competition, Umran Malik remarked, “I haven’t played cricket in a long time.”
“I spent seven or eight months injured. It was a difficult time. It’s wonderful to be back. In Kashmir, I have participated in numerous T20 and red-ball matches. Our registration camp was there. The Buchi Babu [competition] is the reason we are in Chennai. Playing as many matches as I can is beneficial. It helps my body cope with its demands. I’ve returned and will do well this season. That is my goal.
Umran Malik credits his comeback to fitness to the team at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, where he worked for about six months during his rehabilitation.
“I was receiving assistance from strength and conditioning coach Nishanta [Bordoloi]. I got all I required from Thulasi [Ram Yuvaraj, physio] sir, Suresh [Rathore, physio] sir, and [VVS] Laxman [CoE chief] sir. The BCCI is to be thanked.
“For athletes, injuries are a part of life. It will inevitably occur. I kept myself strong at the moment. I maintained a positive attitude. Now everything is alright.
When Umran Malik reached 156.9 kph and claimed 22 wickets in 14 games for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2022 Indian Premier League, he initially attracted attention. In the same year, he was promoted quickly to India’s white-ball teams, but since then, injuries have severely damaged his career. For Umran Malik, returning to the Indian team is possible with the forthcoming domestic season.
“Yeah, I’ll be bowling in full rhythm now,” Umran Malik replied. “I don’t use social media since I’m a sportsman. In fact, I’d want to play cricket. All I want is to play cricket properly and keep my body safe from harm. My goal is to play for the Indian national team. After this Buchi Babu, I’ll play in the matches and, I believe, the Ranji Trophy. I’m hoping to take wickets and turn things around.
In addition to training with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who rejoined KKR’s backroom for the 2025 Indian Premier League, Malik has prepared for the domestic season by bowling in J&K’s training camps.
Umran Malik continued his rehabilitation with the KKR setup after being disqualified from the IPL 2025.
“I have received backing from the J&K Cricket Association. “Some nice camps are being set up,” Malik remarked. “I continue to speak with Mithun Manhas, the head of operations and cricket for JKCA. My activities are simple, and I bowl like I did in the past.
“I have three or four fresh variants in the works. In addition, I work with our head coach, Ajay Sharma, P Krishna Kumar, the bowling coach for J&K, and Abhishek Nayar. It was enjoyable working with Abhishek during our two-week camp here in Chennai.
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