Umran Malik all set to rev it up in his domestic comeback as he will play the Buchi Babu tournament and Ranji.
‘Kept myself strong, kept my mindset right’ – Umran Malik gears up for domestic comeback.
Tearaway Umran Malik will play in the forthcoming Ranji Trophy and the ongoing Buchi Babu competition after missing the entire 2024–25 domestic season and the 2025 Indian Premier League due to many illness and injury episodes.
The Buchi Babu tournament began on August 18 in Chennai, and Malik, 25, is not taking part in the first round. He will, however, play for Jammu & Kashmir against Baroda in the second round starting on August 22. Malik last participated in the IPL 2024, but he believes his body is now prepared to handle the demands of domestic cricket after bouncing back from hamstring and hip problems.
“I’m feeling good. I haven’t played cricket for a long time,” Malik said on the sidelines of the Buchi Babu tournament. “I was injured for seven-eight months. It was a struggling phase. It feels really good to be back. I have played a lot of red-ball and T20 matches in Kashmir. It was our registration camp. We have come to Chennai for the Buchi Babu [tournament]. It is good to play as many matches as I can. It is good for my body’s workload. I’ve come back and will do well in the season. That’s my aim.”
Umran’s Rehab
Malik attributes his comeback to fitness to the team at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, where he worked for about six months during his rehabilitation.
“Nishanta [Bordoloi, strength and conditioning coach] was helping me. Thulasi [Ram Yuvaraj, physio] sir and Suresh [Rathore, physio] sir and [VVS] Laxman [CoE chief] sir – he gave me everything [I needed]. Thanks to the BCCI.
“Injury is a part of life for a sportsman. It is bound to happen. At that time, I kept myself strong. I kept my mindset right. Everything is fine now.”
“Yeah, I’ll be bowling in full rhythm now,” Malik said. “I’m a sportsman and I don’t pay attention to social media. Actually, I want to play cricket. I just want to protect my body from injuries, and I want to play cricket well. I want to play for India and that’s my aim. I will play the matches after this Buchi Babu, and I think the Ranji Trophy. Hopefully, I can take wickets and make a comeback.”