Indian fast bowler Umran Malik, known for regularly clocking speeds above 150 kph, has experienced a turbulent career marked by early promise and recurring setbacks. The pacer from Jammu and Kashmir burst onto the scene during the 2021 IPL as a Covid replacement for Sunrisers Hyderabad, quickly becoming a fan favourite with his raw pace. His breakout 2022 IPL season saw him claim 22 wickets and bowl the tournament's fastest delivery at 156.9 kph. However, his international career revealed struggles with control and economy, while frequent injuries including dengue and a hip stress fracture derailed his momentum. After spending time recovering at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, he has returned to domestic cricket. Questions linger about whether his career trajectory might have differed had he played for a pace-friendly cricket nation like Australia.
Career highs, international struggles, and injury woes
Malik's 2022 IPL performance included a five-wicket haul against Gujarat Titans and the season's five fastest deliveries, earning him an India call-up. Yet his international debut exposed limitations: in eight T20Is, he took 11 wickets with an economy over 10, while his 10 ODIs yielded 13 wickets but proved expensive. Subsequent seasons brought constant setbacks through dengue, hip stress fractures, and inconsistency. Released by Sunrisers Hyderabad, he joined Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2025 but suffered another injury before the season started. After rehabilitation guided by coaches including VVS Laxman and Abhishek Nayar, he returned to playing for Jammu and Kashmir in domestic cricket by late 2025.
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