Umran Malik, a Jammu and Kashmir express pacer, returned to competitive cricket after a long injury layoff by impressing in the All India Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, which was organised by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. The speedster, who had missed the tournament opener against Railways, was totally fit as he bowled a scorching spell in the second match against Odisha CA.
Umran Malik made an early recovery by taking back-to-back wickets.
He first bowled opener OM T Munde with a sharp inswinger that shook the stumps, then dismissed skipper Subhranshu Senapati for a first-ball duck after an inside edge collided with the stumps.
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Umran Malik gets two wickets in his first spell on comeback after a long injury#BuchiBabu #JKvsOdisha pic.twitter.com/Ugx7NqOxhE
— Mohsin Kamal (@64MohsinKamal) August 26, 2025
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 Malik
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.
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