After recovering from injury and illness, Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Umran Malik is ready to play against Baroda on Friday. He missed the first round of the Buchi Babu tournament, which started on August 18, but he will play for Jammu and Kashmir in the second round from August 22. Malik was last seen in action during IPL 2024. He has returned after hamstring and hip injuries.
Umran said, “I am feeling good. I have not played cricket for a long time. I was injured for seven to eight months, and that was a tough time. But now it feels great to be back. I have played red-ball cricket and T20 matches in Kashmir in the recent camp. We came to Chennai for the Buchi Babu tournament. The more matches I play now, the better it will be for me. It is good for my body workload. I have made a comeback and want to do well this season. That is my goal.”
Umran Malik Credits BCCI for His Comeback
During his rehab, Umran Malik spent about six months at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He worked closely with the support staff and thanked them for helping him return to fitness.
He said, “Nishant Bordoloi, the strength and conditioning coach, helped me a lot. Physios Tulsi Ram Yuvraj and Suresh Rathod, along with VVS Laxman sir, gave me everything I needed. Thanks to BCCI. Injury is a part of any sportsman’s life. It is bound to happen. At that time, I kept myself strong and kept my mindset right. Now everything is fine.”
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Focus on Fitness and Return to Cricket
Umran added, “Now I can bowl in full rhythm. I am a sportsman and do not pay attention to social media. My focus is to stay fit and play good cricket. Playing for India is my goal. After the Buchi Babu tournament, I want to play in the Ranji Trophy and take wickets there.”
He also praised the support of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, saying they have been organizing good camps. “I keep talking to Mithun Manhas, the head of the campaign. I do simple things and bowl the same way as earlier. I am also developing three to four new variations.”
Umran is working with coaches Abhishek Nair, bowling coach P Krishna Kumar, and head coach Ajay Sharma. “I camped with Abhishek in Chennai two weeks ago, and it was nice to work with him,” he said.