Umran Malik Eyed By RCB For IPL 2025 After Likely SRH Release

Umran Malik is reportedly being released by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the IPL 2024 finalists. The 24-year-old pacer is on the radar of several teams, including Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Malik, known for his fast bowling, played only one match in the IPL 2024 season. He joined SRH in 2021 and was retained for Rs 4 crore after replacing T Natarajan during the UAE leg of IPL 2021. Despite a promising start, his performance has declined over time.

In the 2022 season, Malik took 22 wickets from 14 matches. However, his form dipped significantly afterward. In IPL 2024, he played just eight matches, taking five wickets at an average of 43.40 and an economy rate of 10.85. The following year, he featured in only one match.

Malik has been out of the Indian team since July 2023. His last T20I appearance was in February 2023. Despite being one of India's raw pace talents, he wasn't considered for India's recent tour of Zimbabwe, where many young players got opportunities.

Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey commented on Malik's situation: "Umran Malik needs to play for a state which has proper structure. Unfortunately, he is playing for a state where there is no proper structure. He has the potential, a quick guy who can bowl in the mid-140 consistently, but someone to guide him."

Future Prospects

A move to a different IPL team could rejuvenate Umran Malik's career. He hopes to join a team where he gets more playing time and can make a case for his selection in the Indian cricket team again.

The Jammu and Kashmir pacer gained fame for his express pace but struggled to maintain consistency. His journey with SRH saw highs and lows, and now he looks forward to new opportunities that could help him regain his form and place in the national team.