Umran Malik, a young cricketer who represents Jammu and Kashmir cricket association in the domestic cricket made heads turn when he clocked up 150 kmph regularly in the IPL.
His raw pace made batsman uncomfortable even on flat decks. In IPL he made his debut for SRH and later on transitioned to KKR. His sheer pace led him to don the blue jersey for India in international cricket.
From a Fruit Seller’s Son to India’s Fastest: The Rise of the Jammu Express
Umran Malik made his domestic cricket debut for the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association. His ferocious raw pace made him special yet he was still in obscurity. However, it was this remarkable pace which took his name to fame.
In 2021 Indian Premier League, he was picked by the Sunrisers Hyderabad as a net bowler. With luck on his side, he got to debut in the same season as a replacement for an injured player. It was there that he shone bright and roughed up batsman with his dodgy pace. That quick raw pace took everyones notice and he became an overnight sensation. It was then in the next season of IPL where he got his groove.
He was a prolific performer for his side where he took 22 wickets in 14 matches. He clocked his highest at 156.9 kph and amazed everyone. He was awarded the emerging player of the tournament for his exceptional performance. His brisk speed made people draw comparisons to the Rawalpindi express Shoaib Akhtar.
One Gear, One Season: Why Pace Alone Wasn’t Enough
The previous performance helped him to get a place in the international setup in the same year. He played 18 games and scalped up 24 wickets. Although he rose ranks in a comparatively smaller time but his ascent was short lived.
In the IPL 2023, he managed to pick up only 5 wickets in 8 games at a huge economy of 10.85. He also lost his place in the international side. In the next season of IPL, he managed only one game.
He also had a disappointing Ranji Season where he picked up only 4 wickets at an average of 38 in five outings.
“A fast bowler must know when to use their speed wisely” – Dale Steyn on Umran Malik. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Steyn further said that Malik was going off the radar.
He believed that Malik needed to focus on accuracy rather than just speed. “Just like a Ferrari has six gears, you don’t have to use all of them. A fast bowler must know when to use their speed wisely,” Steyn said.
Injuries, setbacks and disappearing act
The dip in form was followed by multiple injuries. He suffered a hamstring and hip injury which kept him out of action for several months. During his rehab, Malik spent around six months at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
In between he also suffered dengue which further bleaked his prospects.
Unsold in IPL 2025 auction and then KKR picked him
In the next IPL auction he went unsold as no franchise opted for him. It was then in the final round when KKR bid for him. It was quite shocking to see such a downfall of a player who once had eye balls rolling.
He was quite eager to play this time and give his best. But as fate had it he was again ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. Umran was retained by KKR for the next season however he did not play a single match.
Still Only 26, can the Jammu Express Find a New Track?
Despite claiming 24 wickets in 10 ODIs and eight T20Is, Umran has not played for India since July 2023. Recurring injuries and illness forced him to miss the entire 2024–25 domestic season and IPL 2025
But Umran Malik made a solid comeback in the domestic T20 tournament Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Uttar Pradesh where he scalped 3 wickets.
Umran then struggled in the recently concluded DY Patil T20 Cup, where he went for 59 runs in two overs earlier this year, showing he needs to be far more consistent with the ball. Still, Umran believes on his abilities and understands that injuries are a part of fast bowling.
He has sharpened his skills and improved on yorkers and slower balls.
Further he understands the importance of fitness and regularly works over it. He is also eyeing more red ball cricket which could help him boost his fitness. There is still time for him to become a more seasoned bowler and while his pace will remain his biggest strength, being consistent it will be a bigger challenge.
