Umran Malik, the 25-year-old speedster from Jammu & Kashmir, made a much-awaited return to competitive cricket in the Buchi Babu Invitational 2025. Playing his state’s third match of the tournament on August 26, the pacer reminded fans of his raw pace by striking twice in consecutive deliveries, sending a clear signal that he is hungry for a strong comeback.
Umran, who last featured in a competitive game for Sunrisers Hyderabad during the IPL 2024 clash against Mumbai Indians on March 27, dismissed Odisha opener Om Munde with a fiery delivery that uprooted the stumps.
Without giving Odisha a breather, he bowled captain Subhranshu Senapati with the very next ball, handing him a golden duck. His trademark aggressive celebration went viral on social media, with fans hailing the return of India’s fastest bowler. The Jammu pacer has already represented India in limited-overs cricket, picking up 13 wickets in 10 ODIs and 11 wickets in eight T20Is.
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However, injuries halted his progress, forcing him to miss the domestic season and later the IPL 2025 despite being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹75 lakh in the mega auction. Though sidelined, Umran stayed connected with the franchise, undergoing rehabilitation in Kolkata before regaining full fitness.
Pick two wickets in 2 balls , great to see Umran Malik is back in cricket https://t.co/zw7VA8W9hN pic.twitter.com/70sLK7yUDN
— Almir (@Almir_Talks) August 26, 2025
In the ongoing match, Umran bowled a disciplined 10-over spell, finishing with figures of 2 for 35. His fiery spells, supported by Abid Mushtaq and Vanshaj Sharma’s four wickets each, helped J&K bowl Odisha out for 314 runs.
For Odisha, wicketkeeper-batter Rajesh Dhupar was the standout performer, scoring a gritty 104 off 196 balls. He built two crucial partnerships — a 100-run stand with Govind Poddar, who made 74, and a 98-run stand with Kartik Biswal, who chipped in with 53.
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Despite their efforts, Odisha’s innings was pegged back by J&K’s relentless bowling attack led by the returning Umran Malik. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon and India constantly searching for express pace, Umran’s comeback in domestic cricket will be closely tracked by selectors and fans alike.
