Indian national cricket team pacer Umran Malik has made a return to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, but not as a playing member.

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The fast bowler who was ruled out of the tournament due to injury has joined the franchise in Kolkata to continue his rehabilitation and recovery programme.

KKR acquired Umran for INR 75 lakhs during the IPL 2025 mega auction held in November last year. Although he won't feature in any matches this season his presence in the squad is part of a structured “return to cricket” programme with the franchise ensuring full support for his comeback.

In an official post shared on social media, the franchise wrote:

“Umran Malik has joined the squad in Kolkata to continue his rehab and 'return to cricket' programme with KKR for the remainder of the season. He’s not joining as an official playing member of the squad, but will work with the team and support staff to get back to his best! Welcome to the family, Umran.”

The 24-year-old speedster made his IPL debut in 2021 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) interestingly, against KKR and quickly rose to prominence with his express pace. Though he was part of the SRH squad that finished runners-up in IPL 2024 Umran got limited opportunities playing only one game.

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders have endured a rough campaign so far. With just three wins from eight matches they currently sit seventh on the points table with six points. The absence of key players including Umran has certainly impacted their depth and pace options.