Umran Malik isn’t the new and shiny toy franchises want to play with anymore. He was the hottest commodity in 2022 when he ended up picking 22 wickets in 14 matches. Nothing sexier in cricket than a speedster taking bulk wickets all the while terrorising batters. The Jammu and Kashmir Express failed to have the same success in the following season and basically disappeared last year.
“You will see a different Umran Malik this time”, proclaims pacer
But the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction will be a new chapter for Umran. He went unsold at first, but then finally found a home. Getting just Rs 75 lakh isn’t what he or anyone would’ve expected a mere two years ago, but right now, he’s happy that he gets to show what he can do at the Kolkata Knight Riders. He confidently says that a new Umran will be seen as he wishes to make a comeback to the Indian team after more than one and a half years.
“I am really happy to join KKR this season, so excited to don the KKR jersey. I just can’t wait. They are the defending champions, and I am sure they will win another title this season. I am grateful and thankful to them for giving me this chance, confident about getting plenty of opportunities this time with KKR. I am 200 percent fit and raring to go. You will see a different Umran Malik this time. I want to perform well in the IPL and make a comeback to the Indian side. The IPL has been a massive platform for most cricketers, including me,” Umran told the Times of India.
Back at full speed
Constant injuries had seen a dip in Umran’s pace. But that won’t be the case anymore, assures the pacer. He says this despite being currently injured. Of course, his comeback date is already set. Within a few days, he’ll play his first game in over eight months in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and then feature for Jammu & Kashmir in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. But he’s confident he’ll be at his best for the IPL 2025 season and bowl consistently in the 150s, matching Mayank Yadav‘s speed from last year.
“I am going to kill it in IPL 2025. I am confident of taking a number of wickets this time and just want to go out and perform for KKR. Speed gives me a thrill. I am not sure whether I will touch 160, but I am confident I will take plenty of wickets at speeds in the 150s,” he added.
Umran Malik’s IPL stats by season
| Season | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | 4w | 5w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | – | 15 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 8 | 5 | 43.4 | 10.85 | 24 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 14 | 22 | 20.18 | 9.03 | 13.4 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 | 2 | 48 | 8 | 36 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 26 | 29 | 26.62 | 9.39 | 17 | 1 | 1 |
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