Umran Malik Returns to Boost Jammu Kashmir Squad Ahead of Ranji Trophy Season

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s pace attack has received a major boost ahead of the new Ranji Trophy season with speedster Umran Malik making a comeback to the squad after a long injury layoff. The 25-year-old tearaway pacer, who became India’s fastest bowler after consistently clocking over 150 kmph in the IPL, is set to feature in Jammu and Kashmir’s opening fixture against Mumbai at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Sonwar, from October 15.

Malik’s return comes as a significant morale lift for the side, which has been steadily improving in domestic cricket over the past few years. A fit and firing Malik will not only reinforce J&K’s bowling department but also draw national attention to the team’s campaign.

After recovering from a prolonged injury spell that kept him out of competitive cricket for several months, Malik is believed to have regained full fitness and rhythm during pre-season training. According to officials at the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), the express pacer will join the team’s preparatory camp in the first week of October.

Malik, who broke onto the scene during the 2021 IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, has played 12 first-class matches so far, taking 16 wickets. His best phase came in the 2022 IPL, when he claimed 22 wickets in 14 matches, earning him a place in the Indian squad for limited-overs internationals. His raw pace and ability to trouble batters even on flat surfaces made him one of the most talked-about young bowlers in Indian cricket.

Speaking on his comeback, a JKCA official told The Hindu, “Umran’s inclusion is a big morale booster. His experience and speed can make a decisive difference, especially in home conditions where early morning movement can help pacers.”

The squad, led by Paras Dogra, features a balanced mix of youth and experience. Alongside Malik, the team includes familiar IPL names such as Abdul Samad, known for his hard-hitting abilities, and Yudhvir Singh, who has impressed in recent domestic and IPL appearances. Abid Mushtaq and Shubham Khajuria, both seasoned campaigners in the domestic circuit, bring stability to the batting and spin departments.

The upcoming fixture against Mumbai, one of the country’s most formidable domestic teams led by Ajinkya Rahane, will test J&K’s mettle early in the tournament. Mumbai’s squad also includes prolific run-getter Sarfaraz Khan, who will be looking to make a statement to national selectors.

The J&K side made a strong impression in the previous Ranji season, with spirited performances that pushed top-tier teams to the brink. With Malik’s return and an energetic core, the team aims to carry that momentum forward.

The full Jammu and Kashmir squad for the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season includes: Paras Dogra (Captain), Shubham Khajuria, Rohit Sharma, Abdul Samad, Vivrant Sharma, Qamran Iqbal, Kawalpreet Singh, Sahil Lotra, Abid Mushtaq, Vanshaj Sharma, Yawer Hassan, Musaif Aijaz, Sunil Kumar, Umran Malik, Umar Nazir, Kanhaiya Wadhawan, Yudhvir Singh, Mujtaba Yousuf, Lone Nasir Muzaffar, and Auqib Nabi.

As the team assembles for final preparations, fans in Jammu and Srinagar are already buzzing with excitement at the prospect of watching Umran Malik’s thunderbolts back on home turf — a sight that could once again ignite Jammu and Kashmir’s cricketing hopes.