After a long injury-induced break from the game, India’s pace sensation Umran Malik has finally returned to competitive cricket. Representing Jammu & Kashmir in the Buchi Babu tournament in Tamil Nadu, Malik showcased glimpses of the raw pace and sharp movement that once made him one of the most exciting fast bowling prospects in the country.
Strong Return Despite Limited Overs
In the match against Odisha, Malik bowled a total of 14 overs across both innings and managed to claim three wickets. Though Odisha won the game by 118 runs, Malik’s brief spells served as a reminder of the damage he can do when fully fit and firing.
He was especially effective in the first innings, where he delivered a fiery 10-over spell and picked up two wickets in two balls. His first strike came against Odisha opener Om T Munde, who was hurried by Malik’s pace and ended up chopping the ball onto his stumps. The very next ball was even more devastating—an in-swinging delivery at serious pace that went right through Subhranshu Senapati’s defence and shattered the stumps.
At that point, it looked like Malik could run through the Odisha batting lineup. However, the J&K team management chose to use him sparingly, perhaps to manage his workload after his recent injury layoff. Odisha eventually posted 314 in their first innings.
In reply, Jammu & Kashmir managed to edge ahead with a score of 330, gaining a narrow 16-run lead. Odisha bounced back strongly with 240 in their second innings. Malik bowled just four overs in this spell but struck again, dismissing opener Munde, who was caught by substitute fielder Sunil Kumar.
Fitness the Key to a Strong Season Ahead
Despite the limited number of overs he bowled, Malik’s performance was encouraging. He showed that his trademark pace and skiddy nature off the pitch remain intact. The ability to beat batters with sheer speed and movement was evident, even in short bursts.
In the fourth innings, Jammu & Kashmir were set a modest target, but their chase collapsed, ending at 96/8, handing Odisha a 118-run victory.
While the result didn’t go J&K’s way, the big positive was Umran Malik’s return to the field. With his pace and wicket-taking ability, he can be a game-changer for his team—and potentially for India again—if he stays fit through the domestic season.
As the Ranji Trophy and other tournaments approach, all eyes will be on Malik to see if he can build on this comeback and regain the rhythm that once made him one of India’s most talked-about fast bowlers.
