'Speed is my biggest strength, how can I compromise with that?' - Umran Malik

Umran Malik burst onto the scene during the Indian Premier League (IPL) a few seasons ago, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He impressed fans and experts alike with his ability to bowl at speeds exceeding 150 kph. The right-arm pacer was fast-tracked into the Indian team and played 10 ODIs and 8 T20Is, taking 13 and 11 wickets, respectively.

However, recurring injuries and illness have hindered his progress. The 26-year-old missed the entire 2024-25 domestic season and the IPL earlier this year. He returned to action after nearly 17 months on the sidelines during the Ranji Trophy this season. Malik is also part of Jammu and Kashmir's squad, which is playing in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025.

He knows pacers will have their share of injuries, but he will not cut down on his pace, as he believes it is one of his major strengths.

"Every fast bowler in the world knows that injuries are going to be a part of his career. But speed is my natural aspect. How can I compromise with that? Speed is my biggest strength, and I want to continue to maintain that strength," Malik told ESPNcricinfo on the sidelines of Jammu and Kashmir's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Hyderabad in Kolkata on December 4.

"You can't bowl at 150(kph) straight away. You reach that speed gradually. I don't want to show my speed to anyone, but I want to show my wickets. But it is also that after ten years [of bowling at a competitive level], I want to bowl at 140 [from 150] and not come down to a speed of 130 from 150," he added.

Money is not a concern: Umran Malik

Malik was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) side last season but couldn't play a match. He has been retained by the three-time champions for IPL 2026. Malik said that money is not a concern for him, and he hopes to stay fit and take wickets consistently for his team.

"I know that for many Indian fast bowlers, it is not that difficult to be part the IPL. It's probably easy for me too, but I'm not just thinking of taking part in the tournament. Money is not a concern. The first and last thing is that my fitness and form should be such that I play every match for the team and take wickets. If I can't do this, then what will be my value as a player? Malik asked

"I will work as hard as I have to. I will learn where I make mistakes. I will take care of myself and want to make my comeback memorable," he added.