IPL 2025: Umran Malik rejoins KKR camp under 'return to cricket' programme

KKR bought Umran Malik for INR 75 lakhs at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Indian pacer Umran Malik has returned to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. However, he has not joined the squad for the tournament but will stay with them under the return to cricket programme. Malik was bought by KKR for INR 75 lakhs at the IPL 2025 mega auction in November last year.

He was part of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) last season, but played only one game for the side. Later, the franchise did not retain him in their squad. Notably, he was expected to lead the pace attack for the Knight Riders this season. However, he sustained an injury before the start of IPL 2025 and was ruled out of the tournament.

Chetan Sakariya replaced Umran Malik in KKR’s squad in IPL 2025

After Malik’s ouster, left-arm seamer Chetan Sakariya replaced him in the KKR squad. However, the young pacer is yet to play a game for the side in IPL 2025. Now, Malik has recovered from his injury and has joined the KKR camp in Kolkata. However, he has just joined the camp and will train with them to recover, but he will not be added to their official squad for remainder of the tournament.

Welcoming the KKR pacer to the camp, the franchise wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Umran Malik has joined the squad in Kolkata to continue his rehab and “return to cricket” programme with KKR for the remainder of the season. He’s not joining as an official playing member of the squad, but will work with the team and support staff to get back to his best! Welcome to the family, Umran.”

The 25-year-old pacer grabbed the limelight for the first time in IPL 2021, when he scared the opposition batters bowling 150+ kmph deliveries consistently. Next season, he was a prime bowler for SRH and grabbed 22 scalps in 14 games, including a fabulous five-wicket haul in a match. He accounts for 29 wickets across 26 games in the IPL so far.

Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane-led KKR have delivered a poor show in IPL 2025 so far. The defending champions have won just three games out of eight and lost five matches. They have six points and are positioned seventh in the points table.

The three time champions will next clash with Punjab Kings (PBKS). The match will take place at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday, April 26.

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