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Jammu and Kashmir express pacer burst into scene with his raw pace, stunning Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, current and former cricketers alike. Fast-tracked to Indian cricket owing to his breakneck speeds, Malik had a short stint before he was dropped. And then, injuries got the better of him, keeping him out for entire 2024-25 domestic season across formats and the IPL 2025. But, Malik is set for comeback, ready to prove that he is back to his old self. The 25-year-old tearaway pacer has his sights on the clash against Baroda in Buchi Babu tournament. He will be in action starting August 22.
"I'm feeling good. I haven't played cricket for a long time," Malik told Cricinfo ahead of his return after injury. "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."
Malik’s take on injuries, gratitude to those who helped
Malik understands that injuries are just a part of any athlete's life. He thanks the people at Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru to help him recover.
"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,” he said.
"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."
Malik wants the India cap again
Malik intends to avoid injuries going ahead in his career and make a comeback to the Indian side. He has his sights set on the Buchi Babu, followed by Ranji Trophy season. While doing that, he intends to stay away from social media.
"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."
Malik developing variations for comeback
Malik was picked in the IPL 2025 mega auction by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He has trained with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar as well despite getting ruled out of this year's edition to continue his rehab. He revealed that he is currently working on a few variations to add to his quiver and keep the batters guessing.
"J&K Cricket Association has been supporting me. They are setting up some good camps," Malik said. "I keep talking to Mithun Manhas [JKCA's cricket and operations head]. I do simple things, and just like I used to bowl earlier, I do the same.
"I'm developing three-four new variations. I'm also working with Abhishek [Nayar], P Krishna Kumar [J&K bowling coach] and Ajay Sharma, he is our head coach. I had a camp with Abhishek two weeks back here in Chennai and it felt good to work with him."
So far, Malik has played just 12 first-class games. He has 16 wickets at an average of 44.62. He would look to take his tally to 50 wickets this season and remain injury-free. It is yet to be seen whether KKR retain him in the squad.
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