Breaking from tradition, Jammu and Kashmir has excluded star pacer Umran Malik from its Ranji Trophy training camp, opting instead for emerging talents to bolster the ranks. The announcement underscores a no-nonsense approach to squad selection as the team targets a deep run in the tournament.
The 23-year-old speedster, celebrated for clocking 157 kmph and troubling international batsmen, has been on a rollercoaster. While white-ball exploits remain stellar, his first-class record lags, with questions over accuracy and stamina in multi-day games.
The revamped probable list features 28 players, including returnees like Abdul Samad and debutants such as off-spinner Aquib Javed. JKCA secretary Shafat Bhat elaborated, ‘We’re building depth. Umran will return when he’s at his peak.’ The camp kicks off amid snowfall warnings, testing the players’ resolve.
Contextually, J&K’s domestic struggles are well-documented—relegation threats in past seasons. This camp, under new management, incorporates biomechanics sessions to fine-tune actions, inspired by national team protocols.
Fan reactions range from shock to support. ‘Harsh but fair,’ posted leggie Amit Mishra. Umran’s camp-mates like Shubham Pundir are set to shine, potentially earning IPL scouts’ attention.
Ranji Trophy, often called the ‘University of Cricket,’ has launched careers like Cheteshwar Pujara’s. For J&K, this could be transformative. Umran’s story adds intrigue—will exile fuel a roaring comeback?