Mumbai: India’s express fast bowler Umran Malik has made it clear that he has no intention of reducing his pace, even as he continues his comeback after spending more than a year sidelined with injuries—the latest being a hip problem. For Malik, speed is non-negotiable.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo during Jammu & Kashmir’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Hyderabad in Kolkata on December 4, the pacer said:
“Speed is my identity. It’s my natural ability, so how can I compromise? Every fast bowler deals with injuries, but my biggest strength is pace, and I want to keep that intact.”
“I Want to Show Wickets, Not Just Speed”
Malik explained that hitting top speeds instantly is unrealistic, especially after injury layoffs, and that the process takes time.
“You can’t bowl 150 kph straight away. It takes gradual buildup. I don’t want to show speed for the sake of it—I want to show wickets. Even ten years from now, I want to be bowling 140, not drop to 130.”
The 25-year-old last featured in competitive cricket during IPL 2024 with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Though picked by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for IPL 2025, he missed the entire season due to fitness issues.
Fitness First: “Money Is Not a Concern”
Malik emphasised that performance and availability matter more to him than financial rewards.
“Money is not a concern. My fitness and form should be such that I play every match and take wickets. If I can’t do that, what is my value as a player?”
His time at the NCA has helped him better understand workload management and injury prevention.
“After speaking to experts, I’ve understood my body a lot more. I now know what to manage if I want to avoid injuries.”
KKR Retain Umran for IPL 2026
Even as KKR released several high-profile names ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, they chose to retain Umran, signalling their continued belief in his potential.
“For many Indian fast bowlers, getting into the IPL is not difficult. Maybe it’s easy for me too, but I don’t just want to participate. I want to be fit, take wickets, and contribute every game.”
Malik said he is determined to make his comeback “memorable,” working harder than ever while correcting past mistakes.
Observers have noted a slightly refined version of Malik this season—still fast, but more controlled and aware of his bowling rhythm. His immediate focus remains on the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with an eye on building momentum toward IPL 2026.
