EXCLUSIVE | Umran Malik after getting KKR deal: ‘I am going to kill it’ | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: India speedster Umran Malik is thrilled to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the IPL 2025 season. Known for his blistering pace, Umran, who represented Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2021 to 2024, was snapped up by KKR for Rs 75 lakh. The pacer is eager to unleash his fiery deliveries and send stumps cartwheeling in the upcoming season.
“I am really happy to join KKR this season. I am so, so excited to don the KKR jersey. I just can’t wait. They are the defending champions, and I am sure they will win another title this season. I am grateful and thankful to them for giving me this chance,” Umran told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.
The Jammu and Kashmir speedster has battled injuries in recent years but has focused on improving his line and length, speed, and fitness. He sees IPL 2025 as a crucial opportunity to make a strong case for his return to the Indian team.

“I am confident about getting plenty of opportunities this time with KKR. I am 200 percent fit and raring to go. You will see a different Umran Malik this time. I want to perform well in the IPL and make a comeback to the Indian side. The IPL has been a massive platform for most cricketers, including me,” he added with confidence.

“I am going to kill it in IPL 2025. I am confident of taking a number of wickets this time. I just want to go out and perform for KKR. Speed gives me a thrill. I am not sure whether I will touch 160, but I am confident I will take plenty of wickets at speeds in the 150s,” he said.

Renowned for consistently clocking speeds above 150 kmph, Umran began his IPL journey with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2021, making headlines with a spell where he bowled five consecutive balls over 150 kmph against Royal Challengers Bangalore. He also boasts of a five-wicket haul, achieved against Gujarat Titans in 2022, with impressive figures of 5/25.
During his time at SRH, Umran learned from pace legend Dale Steyn and shared the dressing room with seasoned campaigners like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Marco Jansen, and Pat Cummins. Now at KKR, he will team up with fellow pacers Anrich Nortje and Harshit Rana to bolster the defending champions’ pace attack.
Having taken 29 wickets in 26 IPL matches with an economy rate of 9.4, Umran is optimistic about getting more opportunities with KKR. He is also excited about the presence of senior player Ajinkya Rahane in their midst.

“I learnt a lot from (Dale) Steyn and Bhuvi bhai. It was a big to share the dressing room with him (Bhuvneshwar). He gave a lot of lessons regarding my bowling,” he said.
“KKR’s pace attack looks strong. We have a star-studded side, and every box has been checked in style, whether it’s batting, all-rounders, bowling, spin, or the pace department. I am confident KKR will win another title this season. Experienced players always help youngsters, and Rahane bhai is one of those. His presence will matter a lot in the dressing room. He is an exceptional player, and not just me, but all the players will learn from him,” Umran concluded.