Umran Malik Returns to Strengthen Jammu & Kashmir Squad for Upcoming Ranji Trophy Season

Dil Bar Irshad | October 5, 2025 | Sports, Featured Edition, Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh, National | Follow on Google News

Umran Malik Returns to Strengthen Jammu & Kashmir Squad for Upcoming Ranji Trophy Season

Jammu and Kashmir have received a major boost ahead of the new Ranji Trophy season as pace sensation Umran Malik returns to the squad following a lengthy injury break. The 25-year-old speedster — renowned as India’s fastest bowler for regularly hitting speeds above 150 kmph in the IPL — is expected to feature in J&K’s opening clash against Mumbai at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Sonwar, starting October 15.

Big Lift for J&K’s Bowling Department

Malik’s comeback marks a huge morale boost for Jammu and Kashmir, a team that has been showing steady progress in domestic cricket. His express pace and match-winning ability add a potent edge to J&K’s bowling arsenal, while his presence is likely to draw national attention to the side’s campaign this year.

After several months of recovery and rehabilitation, the fast bowler is reported to have regained full fitness and rhythm. Officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) confirmed that Malik will join the pre-season training camp in early October to prepare for the new campaign.

Journey of India’s Pace Prodigy

Bursting onto the scene during the 2021 IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Umran Malik quickly became a household name for his raw pace. In the 2022 IPL, he claimed 22 wickets in 14 matches, earning him a place in India’s limited-overs squads. In first-class cricket, Malik has featured in 12 matches, taking 16 wickets. His ability to generate high speed even on unresponsive tracks makes him one of India’s most exciting young fast bowlers.

A senior JKCA official told The Hindu, “Umran’s inclusion is a massive boost for the squad. His speed and experience can be crucial, especially in home conditions where the morning sessions offer movement for pacers.”

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Balanced Squad with Experience and Youth

Led by Paras Dogra, the Jammu and Kashmir squad features a solid mix of experience and promising young talent. Alongside Malik, the lineup includes Abdul Samad, known for his explosive hitting, and Yudhvir Singh, who has been consistent across formats. Senior domestic performers Abid Mushtaq and Shubham Khajuria bring much-needed balance to the team’s batting and spin departments.

J&K’s opening fixture will be a stern test against Mumbai, one of India’s most successful domestic teams, captained by Ajinkya Rahane. The Mumbai side also features prolific run-scorer Sarfaraz Khan, who will be eager to catch the eye of national selectors once again.

Renewed Hopes for a Strong Season

Jammu and Kashmir turned heads last Ranji season with some spirited performances against higher-ranked sides. With Malik’s return and a confident young core, the team will be eager to build on that momentum and aim for deeper runs in the tournament.

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Full Jammu and Kashmir Squad for Ranji Trophy 2025–26:

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 squad gears up for its final training sessions, excitement is already building among fans in Jammu and Srinagar, eager to see Umran Malik’s fiery pace light up home grounds once more — a sight that promises to reignite cricketing passion across the region.