IPL 2025: Umran Malik joins KKR for rehab and return to cricket programme

IANS April 25, 2025 536 views

Umran Malik, the tearaway pacer known for his 150kph deliveries, has joined Kolkata Knight Riders for a rehabilitation programme after battling injuries and illness. Despite being ruled out of the current IPL season, Malik is working closely with KKR's support staff to recover and potentially return to competitive cricket. The pacer, who has represented India in T20Is and ODIs, last played competitive cricket in IPL 2024 before health challenges sidelined him. KKR, currently struggling in the points table, hopes Malik's recovery will boost their playoff aspirations in IPL 2025.

"Umran Malik has joined the squad in Kolkata to continue his rehab and return to the cricket programme" - KKR Franchise Statement
IPL 2025: Umran Malik joins KKR for rehab and return to cricket programme
New Delhi, April 25: Tearaway pacer Umran Malik, who was ruled out of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, has joined the franchise for a rehab and return to cricket programme, which will continue for the remainder of the season.

Key Points

1

Malik recovering from hip injury and dengue in 2024-25 season

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KKR brings pacer for rehabilitation programme

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Not currently an official playing member

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Defending champions seeking playoff qualification

Ahead of IPL 2025, KKR had brought in left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya as a replacement for Malik, who was understood to be recovering from a hip injury and went through an extensive rehab at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

But ahead of KKR’s match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Eden Gardens on Saturday, Malik was seen during the nets session of the defending champions, prompting calls on whether he has linked up with the team officially for IPL 2025.

“Umran Malik has joined the squad in Kolkata to continue his rehab and return to the 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,” said the franchise in a statement on Friday.

Malik's last competitive game was in IPL 2024, as he was kept on the sidelines by injuries and illness since then. He was named to play in the Duleep Trophy at the start of the 2024/25 domestic season but had to pull out due to dengue, before being laid low by a hip injury.

Malik, who came into the limelight in IPL 2021 when he clocked 150kph for Sunrisers Hyderabad on debut, has played eight T20Is for India and picked 11 wickets at an economy rate of 10.48. He also played 10 ODIs for India, taking 13 wickets at an economy rate of 6.54.

KKR, the defending champions led by Ajinkya Rahane, are placed seventh in the points table with just three wins from eight matches and need victories in their remaining league games to have a shot at qualifying for the IPL 2025 playoffs.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Great to see Umran getting proper support from KKR! His pace is electrifying and India needs him back at full fitness. Wishing him a speedy recovery ⚡
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Priya M.
Smart move by KKR to keep him involved even during rehab. The team environment will help him recover faster mentally and physically. Hope we see him bowling 150+ soon!
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Arjun S.
While I appreciate KKR's support, I'm concerned about Umran's injury frequency. Maybe he needs to work more on his bowling action to reduce strain on his body. Still rooting for him though!
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Sanjana T.
Poor guy has had such bad luck with dengue and now hip injury 😔 But his spirit seems strong! That photo of him smiling in the nets today made my day. #ComeBackStronger
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Vikram J.
KKR's medical team is one of the best in IPL. If anyone can get Umran back to his fiery best, it's them. Remember how they managed Russell's injuries so well over the years.
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Neha P.
His economy rates look concerning but raw pace like his is rare. Hope he works on his line and length during this rehab phase. Could be India's next big fast bowling star if he stays fit!

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Tags:
IPL 2025 Umran Malik KKR Cricket Injury Rehabilitation T20 Cricket
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