Umran Malik Dropped From Jammu & Kashmir Squad for Ranji Trophy 2026–27 Round 1

Umran Malik has been left out of Jammu & Kashmir’s 15-member squad for the opening round of the Ranji Trophy 2026–27 season. The fast bowler’s omission comes amid ongoing fitness concerns and a lack of wickets in recent domestic appearances.

Jammu & Kashmir will begin their campaign against Madhya Pradesh on October 11. The team will be led by experienced batter Paras Dogra, with Auqib Nabi, Shubham Khajuria, Abdul Samad and Abid Mushtaq among the key players in the squad.

Malik shot to fame in the Indian Premier League with his ability to bowl consistently at speeds above 150 km/h. His pace made him one of the most exciting fast-bowling prospects in Indian cricket.

However, his progress has been affected by repeated injuries since 2023. He has dealt with dengue, a toe injury, a left hamstring strain and a stress fracture in his left hip.

The hip injury kept him out of the entire 2024–25 domestic season and IPL 2025. He later underwent rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru before returning to competitive cricket in late 2025.

Despite his return, fitness concerns and limited success with the ball have remained challenges. In his last Ranji Trophy appearance against Rajasthan in October 2025, Malik returned figures of 0/26 and 0/9.

His omission from the opening-round squad raises questions about his immediate role in Jammu & Kashmir’s domestic campaign. The upcoming season could be important for the fast bowler as he looks to regain his rhythm and return to regular competitive cricket.

For now, Jammu & Kashmir will start their Ranji Trophy campaign without the speedster as they prepare to face Madhya Pradesh on October 11.