Umran Malik shines on return, express pace stuns batters once again

Jammu and Kashmir express pacer Umran Malik made a strong return to competitive cricket after a long injury layoff, impressing in the All India Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, organized by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. The speedster, who had missed the tournament opener against Railways, looked fully fit as he delivered a fiery spell in the second clash against Odisha CA.

Malik struck early with back-to-back wickets to announce his comeback. He first dismissed opener OM T Munde with a sharp in-swinger that rattled the stumps, before removing skipper Subhranshu Senapati for a first-ball duck after an inside edge crashed onto the stumps.

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Batting first after Jammu and Kashmir won the toss, Odisha managed to score a competitive total of over 200 runs. Govind Poddar anchored the innings with 74 off 121 balls, while Rajesh Dhupar and Kartik Biswal contributed crucial half-centuries.

Focus is to play for India again: Umran

For the young pacer, the performance marked a significant step in his recovery after injuries and illness had sidelined him for the entire 2024–25 season. The pacer is now focused on making the most of his opportunities in the Buchi Babu tournament, with an eye on regaining rhythm ahead of the Ranji Trophy.

“Of course, it feels good to recover and get back to bowling fast, something I always enjoy doing. During the recovery phase, returning to cricket was the mantra that helped me stay motivated. Before coming here (in Chennai), I’ve had my set of practice in Kashmir, including proper bowling sessions that helped me feel 100 per cent good fitness-wise. My focus now is to play Ranji and come up with impact-making performances so that I can again play for India,” Malik had told previously, as quoted by The Telegraph.

The 25-year-old has bagged 13 wickets in ODIs and 11 wickets in T20Is for India, and will now be aiming to regain full rhythm and push for a comeback into the national side. His last IPL outing came during the 2024 season, where he played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in March.