Express pacer Umran Malik sends stumps flying leaving batters clueless on comeback match in Buchi Babu tournament; video goes viral

Jammu & Kashmir pacer who clocked breakneck speeds in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has made a comeback to professional cricket after recovering from injury. In the ongoing Buchi Babu invitational tournament, Malik returned to action and terrorised batters again with his raw pace.

On August 26, he struck twice with the new ball. First, Odisha opener OM T Munde dragged the ball to his stumps. His off stump was flattened. He departed for a single-digit score. Then, he bowled an in-swinger to Subhranshu Senapati. The ball went through his defense as he lost his wicket.

Malik bowled a total of 10 overs, including one maiden, conceded 35 runs and claimed two wickets. Abid Mushtaq and Vanshaj Sharma claimed four wickets each as Jammu & Kashmir bowled out Odisha for 314 in 87.5 overs. For Odisha, Rajesh Dhupar scored 104 from 196 balls, including nine fours and a six. Govind Poddar (74) and Kartik Biswal (53) scored half-centuries as well.

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Umran Malik on ‘struggling phase’

Malik recently opened up on his struggles due to injury. He was ruled out the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 after being roped in by three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for his base price of Rs 75 lakh.

"I'm feeling good. I haven't played cricket for a long time," Malik had told Cricinfo last week. "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."

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Umran Malik focused on comeback

Malik hasn't played international cricket since July 2023. He aims to make his comeback to the senior side as well. Also, he opened up on trolls on social media.

"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," the 25-year-old added.