Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Umran Malik set to miss first phase with hip injury

Umran Malik. (Photo Source: RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

Reports have emerged that a hip injury has ruled out tearaway speedster, Umran Malik, out of the first phase of the 2024/25 edition of the Ranji Trophy. The same report, according to News18, suggests that he will most probably remain out of action for a minimum of six weeks.

Jammu & Kashmir is part of Elite Group A for the upcoming edition, slated to commence on October 11, 2024. The Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) is yet to release an injury replacement for Umran, however, an official announcement is expected soon.

Umran was a part of the J&K squad in the previous edition of the tournament. However, he couldn’t really make much of an impact. The stress fracture to his left hip isn’t the first injury he has incurred. The 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League saw Umran play the sole game before he was seemingly dropped from the XI as the management didn’t really back his skillset. Post the IPL, a bout of dengue coupled with a hamstring injury kept him out of the reckoning for quite some bit, during which he was busy recuperating at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

Umran is set to miss four of his state’s games – games against Maharashtra, Odisha, Services, Meghalaya, and Tripura. 

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Mayank Yadav makes debuts for India in first T20I against Bangladesh

As to the developments surrounding international cricket, Mayank Yadav, a bowler as whippy as Umran, who also burst onto the scene via the IPL has been shortlisted into the playing XI in India’s first T20I against Bangladesh.

Umran and Mayank have both displayed immense propensity for bowling quick on a regular basis, but the former would be quite dejected with his injury, especially considering the fact that his IPL counterpart has made his way into the international arena.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Kerala announce squad for first Ranji Trophy clash, Sachin Baby to lead

It remains to be seen how Mayank fares in Gwalior. On the other hand, Umran would be hoping to get back on with his game and be available for the second phase of the tournament, which sees J&K face Mumbai and Baroda in January 2025.