Kolkata, December 7, 2025 - Umran Malik, the Jammu and Kashmir fast-bowling sensation, has made it clear that he will not compromise on his speed, which he considers his "identity" and "natural ability". Speaking on the sidelines of Jammu and Kashmir's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Hyderabad in Kolkata on December 4, Malik emphasized that despite injury setbacks, he remains committed to maintaining his pace.
Malik, who last played competitive cricket in March 2024 for Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL match against Mumbai Indians, is currently focused on making a strong comeback through the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournaments. After being with Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2021 to 2024, he was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 75 lakh for IPL 2025. Despite not getting a chance to play for KKR in IPL 2025, they have retained him for the IPL 2026 season. He is eager to perform well in the IPL and make a comeback to the Indian side.
"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. He sees pace as his core identity as a bowler, not just an add-on.
Malik acknowledged that injuries are a part of a fast bowler's life but emphasized that he cannot compromise on his natural ability. He also explained that he gradually reaches his top speed rather than forcing it immediately.
After recovering from a hip injury and spending time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Malik has shifted his focus to prioritizing his health and understanding his body better. "After spending time at NCA and talking to many experts, I have started to understand my body better. I now know what things need to be managed better if I want to avoid injury," Malik said.
Umran Malik burst onto the scene in IPL 2022, recording a delivery of 156.9 kph. He earned his first T20I and ODI caps, but injuries have since hampered his career. He has taken 13 wickets in 10 ODIs at an average of 30.69 and 11 wickets in 8 T20Is at an average of 22.09. In the IPL, Malik has 29 wickets at an average of 26.62 for Sunrisers Hyderabad, including a five-wicket haul. He also bowled the fastest ball by an Indian in the IPL, clocking 157 kmph in a match against Delhi Capitals.
Malik is determined to use sports science, fitness, and workload management to maintain his effectiveness and fear factor. He does not want to become a tearaway pacer who loses speed later in his career.
"You can't bowl at 150 straight away. You reach that speed gradually. I don't want to show my speed to anyone, but want to show my wickets," he said. "But it is also that after ten years, I want to bowl at 140 and not come down to a speed of 130 from 150," Umran added, revealing his ambition to remain effective.
Umran is confident of making a comeback to the Indian team and is working on new skills, including yorkers and slower balls, to complement his pace. He is currently playing for Jammu and Kashmir in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
