Umran Malik

Umran Malik grabbed eyeballs with his blistering pace when he made his IPL debut in 2021. Joining Sunrisers Hyderabad as a replacement for T Natarajan, the young pacer consistently clocked speeds in excess of 150 kph and instantly became one of the fastest bowlers in the league. Despite limited opportunities, he showed enough promise to be retained for the following season.

Malik’s breakthrough came in IPL 2022, where he picked up 22 wickets in 14 matches, including a sensational five-wicket haul against Gujarat Titans. His raw pace and wicket-taking ability made him one of the most exciting young fast bowlers in the country and earned him a call-up to the Indian team. However, his performances at the international level were inconsistent, and he gradually fell out of favour.

In the IPL, his journey has been a mix of highs and lows. While 2022 highlighted his immense potential, the following seasons exposed areas that needed improvement - particularly his control, consistency, and ability to handle pressure situations. This led to reduced opportunities, and he eventually lost his regular place in the SRH playing XI before being released.

The challenges continued in 2024, as the J&K pacer battled illness and injuries, missing key domestic tournaments including parts of the Ranji Trophy. He was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2025, but unfortunately, injuries ruled him out of the season, denying him a chance to make an immediate impact for his new franchise.

Over the years, Umran’s IPL journey has been a story of raw pace, rapid rise, setbacks and resilience; a bowler capable of turning games but still working towards consistency.

Umran Malik is expected to return as a refreshed and fully fit fast-bowling option for KKR in ahead of IPL 2026. The team will look to use his express pace as a genuine wicket-taking weapon, especially through the middle overs and at the death. If he can stay injury-free and improve his control, Malik has the potential to rediscover his peak form and once again become one of the most feared fast bowlers in the tournament.