“I want to play for India again” - Umran Malik keen to make India comeback

Pace sensation Umran Malik, who first burst into the scene in 2021, clocking more than 150 kph, is eyeing a comeback to professional cricket as he has been undergoing extensive rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

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The 25-year-old pacer has not played a competitive match since IPL 2024, when he played just one game for his previous franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad. While he was roped in by the Kolkata Knight Riders for the IPL 2025 season, he was later ruled out of the season due to a hip fracture.

“Firstly, it feels great to be back on the field. The more matches I play, the better it is, especially in terms of getting my body used to the workload again,” Umran Malik told The Hindu.

Furthermore, Malik also heaped praise on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), VVS Laxman, and CoE members for providing the best facilities at the National Cricket Academy. He also talked about the JKCA for supporting him immensely during his recovery. 

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“I was undergoing rehab at the NCA. I kept things simple to recover quickly. I want to thank Nishant bhai, Tulsi sir, and Suresh sir for their guidance and support during that time. I’m also grateful to V.V.S. Laxman sir and the BCCI for providing the best facilities at the NCA to aid my recovery,” he added.

“JKCA has supported me immensely. I’ve been in constant touch with Mithun Manhas, who’s been guiding me. Our head coach, Ajay Sharma, and the JKCA support staff have been very encouraging. A couple of weeks ago, I was in Chennai for a camp with Abhishek Nayar, and I’ve been working on a few variations with him as well,” he went on to add.

Umran’s next goal is to take part in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament and then compete in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season. By performing consistently in these tournaments, Umran aims to play for India again.

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“My immediate goal is to perform well in this tournament and then play in the Ranji Trophy. I hope to take wickets and perform consistently. I want to play for India again,” he concluded.

Malik has played eight T20Is for the Indian national team, picking up 11 wickets at an economy rate of 10.48. In 10 ODIs, he could scalp 13 wickets at an average of 30.69 and an economy of 6.54.

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