Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Umran Malik had a memorable outing in the DY Patil T20 Cup, conceding 59 runs in just two matches playing for Tata Sports Club against Mumbai Customs on February 25. Umran defended with 193 and opened the bowling alongside captain Shardul Thakur. After Thakur gave away 10 in the first over, Umran went for 23 in his opening spell as Rugved More hit a four and three sixes to put immediate pressure on Tata Sports Club.
The decisive blow came when Umran came back for his second lead in the 13th over. The Bombay Customs were already well placed in pursuit and the ferry quickly got out of hand. It started with a single off the second ball boundary. A no ball followed and a six was hit. Although a dot followed, the following deliveries were sent for a six and a four.
With one legal ball remaining, the over became chaotic. A wide and a no-ball were added to the account. The free hit was taken for four, again off an illegal delivery, and the final ball was dispatched for a six. The over cost 36 runs, leaving Umran with figures of 2 for 59 not out.
Mumbai Customs completed the chase in 16 overs. More brought up a 45-ball century and finished on 101 off 46 deliveries.
Performance is a concern for Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026. Umran, who was bought for Rs 75 crore ahead of the 2025 season, has struggled for rhythm in the tournament. In the earlier match against DY Patil Red returned figures of 1 for 41 in four overs which included 27 runs in the powerplay.
KKR’s pace unit is already under pressure. Mustafizur Rahman was released while Matheesha Pathirana suffered a muscle strain during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Harshit Rana is also recovering from a knee injury.
With limited options, KKR expected Umran to play a significant role. However, his recent returns leave the team with decisions to make before the start of the season.
The 24-year-old has played 10 ODIs and eight T20Is for India, with his final international appearance coming in 2023. He has appeared in 26 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, taking 29 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 26, 2026
