Umran Malik : The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) received a much-needed morale boost ahead of their crucial clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) — tearaway pacer Umran Malik has officially joined the team camp in Kolkata. Although he won’t be taking the field just yet, his presence alone could uplift the squad’s spirits as they gear up for a must-win encounter.

Umran Malik Links Up With Kolkata Knight Riders Ahead of Must-Win Clash Against Punjab Kings

What’s the Latest on Umran Malik?

Earlier ruled out of IPL 2025 due to an injury, Umran Malik’s situation took a positive turn as he linked up with the KKR squad at Eden Gardens. KKR had earlier named Chetan Sakariya as Malik’s replacement in March, after the pacer was declared unfit to play the tournament.

Now, according to an official update from KKR’s social media handle, Umran has joined the squad not as a player, but to continue his rehabilitation and “return to cricket” program alongside the franchise’s medical and coaching staff.

KKR wrote:

“#UmranMalik 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, but will work with the team and support staff to get back to his best! Welcome to the family, Umran.”

Can Umran Malik Play for KKR This Season?

As things stand, Umran Malik will not feature in any matches for KKR this season. Despite earlier hopes, his injury recovery is still underway, and he is focused on regaining full fitness rather than rushing back to action. The nature of his injury remains unspecified, but the priority is clear — a careful, long-term rehabilitation over a short-term comeback.

KKR’s decision to keep Malik around the squad despite his unavailability speaks volumes about the potential impact he can have off the field — mentoring young bowlers, sharing insights, and bringing energy to the group.

A Quick Look: Umran Malik’s IPL Journey So Far

Umran Malik burst onto the IPL scene with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2021, stunning fans and experts with his raw pace, regularly clocking over 150 kmph.

• IPL Debut: 2021 (SRH)
• Breakthrough Season: 2022 (22 wickets)
• Last Played: 2023 IPL season
• Total IPL Matches Played: 26

However, Malik’s rapid rise was also shadowed by frequent injuries. After a stellar 2022 campaign, he struggled to maintain fitness, missing significant game time and eventually falling out of India’s national team radar.

After being released by SRH, KKR snapped him up for ₹75 lakhs at the IPL 2025 mega auction, hoping to add firepower to their pace arsenal. Unfortunately, injuries struck again before he could even don the purple and gold jersey on the field.

Why Umran’s Presence Matters for KKR

While he won’t take the field against Punjab Kings or perhaps for the remainder of the season, having a player like Umran Malik in the dressing room brings several positives:

• Positive Influence: Umran’s energy and experience can be infectious, especially among younger bowlers like Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora.
• Long-term Vision: KKR are investing in Umran’s potential, ensuring he’s fully integrated and ready for future seasons.
• Team Morale: After a disappointing performance — being bowled out for just 95 against PBKS earlier — any boost in team spirit is crucial.

KKR’s Situation Ahead of PBKS Clash

KKR currently sits seventh on the IPL 2025 points table and needs a flawless run in their remaining matches to keep playoff hopes alive.
Facing PBKS in Kolkata on April 26, this is a make-or-break game for Ajinkya Rahane’s side.

With players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, and Varun Chakaravarthy leading the charge, KKR will look to bounce back strongly — and even though Umran Malik won’t be playing, his encouragement from the sidelines might just help reignite the team’s fighting spirit.

Umran Malik’s Current Status

Umran Malik’s link-up with KKR, even if only in a non-playing capacity, could be a silent catalyst for a struggling side desperate for momentum. His presence reminds fans and teammates of the firepower KKR can unleash once he’s fully fit — if not now, then surely in the seasons to come.

For now, KKR must rally with the resources they have and treat every match like a final. And somewhere in the dugout, Umran Malik will be cheering them on — waiting for his own big comeback story.

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