Jammu-born pacer Umran Malik expressed his excitement about being signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He issued a bold statement to his rivals, asserting that they would witness an evolved version of his game, promising to dominate the competition.
Once regarded as the torchbearer for India’s fast-bowling future, Umran Malik endured a significant slump in his career. He initially rose to prominence with his stellar performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, regularly clocking speeds above 150 kmp/h and unsettling prominent Indian batters with his sheer pace.
Umran Malik’s meteoric rise saw him fast-tracked into the Indian team, where he represented the side in T20Is and ODIs. He picked 11 wickets for India in the T20I and 13 in the ODI. However, he struggled to sustain his form and eventually lost his spot in both the national setup and the IPL playing XI. In the previous IPL season, he featured in just one match, failing to leave a lasting impression.
Following his release by Sunrisers Hyderabad, it was anticipated that Umran would attract a significant bid in the IPL auction. However, he went unsold on the first day of the mega auction of the IPL 2025 in Jeddah, before being acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for his base price of ₹75 lakh during the latter stages of the auction.
While addressing to Times of India, Malik stated that he is confident and he’ll help KKR to defend their title and he is 200% fit and claimed everyone will see a different Umran Malik next season.
I am really happy to join KKR this season, and so excited to don the KKR jersey. I just can’t wait. They are the defending champions, and I am sure they will win another title this season. I am grateful to them for giving me this chance, confident about getting plenty of opportunities this time with KKR. I am 200 percent fit and raring to go. You will see a different Umran Malik this time. I want to perform well in the IPL and make a comeback to the Indian side. The IPL has been a massive platform for most cricketers, including me.”
I am going to kill it in IPL 2025. I am confident of taking some wickets this time and just want to go out and perform for KKR. Speed gives me a thrill. I am not sure whether I will touch 160, but I am confident I will take plenty of wickets at speeds in the 150s.” he added.
Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
