Srinagar: Umran Malik burst onto the scene in 2022, his raw pace leaving cricket fans and pundits in awe. Soon after, he broke into India’s white-ball set-up. But just as quickly, he fell off the radar – no longer in the mix for either his IPL franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad, or the national team. A decline in form and a series of injuries meant that, over the next two seasons, the 25-year-old speedster was seen as more of a liability than an asset. But Malik didn’t let himself get bogged down. He overcame setbacks with ease, focused on his efforts, honed his skills and maintained his signature pace – all in the hope that better days were just around the corner. The hard work finally paid off and Malik believes his efforts will help him go the distance this season. Their first big test comes against 42-time champions Mumbai, who open their Ranji Trophy campaign against Jammu and Kashmir at the Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium from Wednesday. Malik played for almost an hour and a half in the nets without breaking a sweat. Spectators – mainly from the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association – said it was the best they had seen him in years. But as always in cricket, the performance has to live up to the hype. “I am feeling good. I am entering this Ranji season after strong preparation through Buchi Babu and local tournaments. I have taken good care of my body and trained well. Gradually, I increased my bowling load to be match ready,” Malik told TOI. Although it will be his first competitive match since his only appearance at IPL 2024, the right-arm pacer insists: “There are no nerves, even though I am coming back after a year. The focus is on playing good cricket and what I do: taking wickets.” After limited appearances in the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Malik got a new lease of life when Kolkata Knight Riders picked him up in the 2025 auction. But a hip injury suffered three to four months before the tournament forced him to withdraw. This setback marked the beginning of a long road to recovery, giving him time for introspection. “Injuries are a part of a fast bowler’s life. Last year, I got injured for the first time and missed the entire season. But this break has taught me a lot about how to manage my body. That phase is over now and my body feels much better,” Malik said. “I have done everything a fast bowler should do. I have been training hard, every day, every morning, every evening. Because of this, my body feels stronger and I am looking forward to playing as much cricket as possible,” he added. During his rehab, Malik trained under former Indian assistant coach Abhishek Nayar in Chennai. Like Rohit Sharma, Kl satisfiedand several others, he praises Nayar. After working with him for the first time during his time at KKR, Malik decided to continue this relationship. “Working with him has helped. He keeps the players in the right mindset. The way he breaks things down helps you focus on what really matters,” Malik said. Malik now looks as confident as he did in 2022, when after just four or five matches he knew he would play for India. “Even Dale Steyn (SRH’s 2022 bowling coach) told me at the end of that season that I would play for India,” he recalled. Malik admits his disappointment at limited opportunities with the Sunrisers after the 2022 season, when he consistently clocked above 150 kmph and took 22 wickets. “There was a disappointment. One season, I take 22 wickets, and the next, I am sitting on the bench. But I tried to stay motivated,” said Malik, who played only nine IPL matches in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
