Jammu and Kashmir have included India fast bowler Umran Malik in their 15-member squad for the Ranji Trophy match against Vidarbha, giving the pacer an opportunity to return to action in the ongoing 2026-27 domestic season.
The four-day Elite Group A fixture will be played from October 18 to 21 at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar.
Malik replaces Nasir Lone in the J&K squad after missing out on selection for the Irani Cup earlier this month and in the first match od Ranji Trophy against Madhya Pradesh. His inclusion adds another pace option to the squad as J&K look to continue their campaign following a historic Ranji Trophy title-winning season in 2025-26.
The 26-year-old last featured for J&K in the Ranji Trophy against Rajasthan in October 2025. He also played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in December 2025, with his return to the squad bringing the focus back on one of India’s quickest bowlers.
Known for regularly bowling above 150 km/h during his breakthrough years, Malik has represented India in both ODIs and T20Is. Injuries and limited opportunities have interrupted his progress in recent seasons, making his return to the J&K squad a development to watch.
Three changes to J&K squad
Malik is one of three changes to the squad from J&K’s previous selection.
Wicketkeeper Rydham Sharma replaces Kanhaiya Wadhwan, who has been ruled out after sustaining an injury. Umar Nazir comes in for Auqib Nabi, who has left for New Zealand.
Nabi’s absence is a significant change for J&K following his outstanding performances in the team’s maiden Ranji Trophy triumph last season. Malik’s inclusion provides the team with an additional fast-bowling option ahead of the Vidarbha fixture.
J&K will be led by experienced batter Paras Dogra, with Abdul Samad, Shubham Khajuria, Qamran Iqbal and Shubham Pundir among the batting options. Abid Mushtaq, Sunil Kumar, Sahil Lotra and Vanshaj Sharma are also part of the squad.
J&K squad for Vidarbha match
- Qamran Iqbal
- Shubham Khajuria
- Yawar Hasan
- Shubham Pundir
- Abdul Samad
- Paras Dogra (C)
- Rydham Sharma (WK)
- Kawalpreet Singh
- Abid Mushtaq
- Sunil Kumar
- Umar Nazir
- Sahil Lotra
- Vanshaj Sharma
- Umran Malik
- Rohit Sharma
J&K will take on Vidarbha from October 18, with the match scheduled to begin at 9:30 am IST in Srinagar.
