Umran Malik first made waves in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) , dazzling fans and experts alike with his ability to bowl at over 150 kph. The right-arm pacer quickly earned a spot in the Indian team, featuring in 10 ODIs and 8 T20Is and claiming 13 and 11 wickets respectively.
However, recurring injuries and illness stalled his momentum. The 26-year-old missed the entire 2024–25 domestic season as well as the IPL earlier this year. After nearly 17 months on the sidelines, Malik returned during this season’s Ranji Trophy and is now part of Jammu and Kashmir’s squad in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025.
Despite the setbacks, Malik insists he will not compromise on pace, which he considers his biggest strength.“Every fast bowler knows injuries are part of the career. But speed is my natural aspect. How can I compromise on that? Speed is my biggest strength, and I want to maintain it,” Malik told ESPNcricinfo.
He added that building up to peak speed takes time, and while he doesn’t aim to impress with sheer pace alone, he wants his wickets to do the talking. “You can’t bowl at 150 kph straight away. You reach that speed gradually. After ten years of bowling competitively, I want to maintain 140 kph, not drop to 130,” he said.
'Money is not a concern': Umran Malik
Malik was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad last season but did not play a match. He has been retained for IPL 2026. He emphasised that financial rewards are secondary to fitness, form, and consistent performance.
“Money is not a concern. My focus is to be fit, play every match, and take wickets. If I can’t do that, what is my value as a player?” he said.
“I will work as hard as I need to, learn from my mistakes, take care of myself, and make my comeback memorable.”
