IPL 2025: Why should Mumbai Indians pursue 'Jammu Express' Umran Malik at Mega Auction

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Just a day ago, reports emerged that Umran Malik is set to be released by the IPL 2024 runners-up, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir played only one match in the last season.

The 24-year-old has been associated with the franchise since his IPL debut in 2021 when he was roped in as a short-term replacement for T Natarajan during the UAE leg of the season. Impressed by his stellar performances, the 2016 champions retained him for INR 4 crore.

In the 2022 season, Malik brought the best out of himself, accounting for 22 dismissals from 14 matches. However, his form declined in subsequent seasons. In IPL 2023, he managed to play just eight matches, taking five wickets at an average of 43.40 and an expensive economy rate of 10.85.

Umran Malik On Multiple Teams Radar During IPL 2025 Auction

Meanwhile, the IPL franchises will be targeting the pace bowling sensation at the auction, in case he is released by the SRH franchise. Among the teams, Mumbai Indians will be desperate to recruit him after going through a disheartening season in 2024, finishing at the bottom of the points table with only four wins in the group stage and failing to qualify for the playoffs.

For Mumbai Indians, the upcoming season will be a great opportunity to bounce back from the disappointments of 2024 and re-establish their dominance. Their underwhelming pace attack was their primary concern in the 2024 season. Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, other bowlers didn't live up to their reputation, which saw them hit rock-bottom in the group stage.

On the other hand, Umran Malik, who is equipped with raw pace and wicket-taking ability, can deliver the goods to the MI bowling arsenal. He will be able to weave the magic with the ball, consistently clock speeds above 150 km/h to ruffle the opposition batters' feathers, particularly on tracks that are well suited for pace and bounce.

Umran Malik has bagged 11 wickets in 8 T20Is whereas he has taken 29 wickets in 26 IPL appearances, including a five-wicket haul. As the five-time champions get back to the drawing board and fix the leaks, they will look to rebuild from scratch such that they can make a serious bid for the title next season.

However, one strategic move could potentially strengthen their squad, provided they acquire the pace sensation Umran Malik. If all goes well, they will be able to address the pace bowling woes. Umran Malik might be able to form a formidable pace bowling partnership with Jasprit Bumrah that could be a game-changer for MI going forward.

The association with Mumbai Indians might also help Umran Malik as the right-arm pacer from Jammu & Kashmir would find it easier to get into the national side. He would also be enriched with the seasoned and experienced MI coaching and support staff. Hence, it could be a win-win for both parties.