The Kolkata Knight Riders will miss Andre Russell’s on-field power-hitting, according to mystery spinner Sunil Narine, but he is thrilled about the possibility of a fit Umran Malik delivering 150kph thunderbolts in the 2026 IPL.
After missing the previous season due to a hip injury, tearaway pacer Umran is scheduled to make his KKR debut. Narine believes the Jammu and Kashmir pacer has what it takes to be the team’s next big star.
“He is an exciting bowler. I think you need that X factor when it comes to pace in IPL because of the small grounds and the good pitches. I think he’s going to do pretty good. He came (and joined the side) in back end of the last IPL and he looked good… So I think it says a lot,” a PTI report quoted the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders spinner as saying on the sidelines of ILT20 in Dubai.
After being sidelined for more than 18 months, Umran returned to competitive cricket this domestic season. He made a quick impact for Jammu and Kashmir, capturing five wickets in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament.
He frequently hustled batsmen, notably his KKR teammate Rinku Singh, with pace and harsh bounce in the game against Uttar Pradesh, taking 3/37.
Prior to IPL 2025, Umran was selected by KKR for his base fee of Rs 75 lakh after being released by Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, an unfortunate injury prevented him from playing, therefore KKR named Chetan Sakariya to take his place.
Umran rose to prominence during his four years with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he bowled the third fastest delivery by an Indian in the IPL (157 kph) and regularly reached 150 kph that season.
In 26 games, he claimed 29 wickets at a rate of 26.62, including a career-high 5/25. His best performance occurred in the IPL 2022, when he claimed 22 wickets at a rate of 20.18, placing fifth in the competition and earning him a call-up for India same year.
Since then, he has represented India in 10 ODIs and 8 T20Is, taking 13 and 11 wickets, respectively. His final appearance for India was in July 2023, and he last represented SRH in the IPL in 2024.
“Hopefully he stays fit. I’m looking forward to seeing some 145-150kph balls,” said Narine, a key member of KKR’s three IPL titles.
Instead of participating in the December 16 auction, when he was viewed as a headlining draw, Russell, who was not retained for the forthcoming auction, unexpectedly announced that he will retire from the IPL and join KKR’s backroom staff.
“Obviously will miss DreRuss on the field… Once he’s there and you’re chasing a big total, you’re never out of it until he’s out. So it’s going to be some big shoes to fill,” Narine said. “But hopefully we get the right combination and we could go out there and deliver the goods when IPL starts next year.”
KKR changed their coaching staff for IPL 2026 in an attempt to start over after missing the playoffs the previous season.
Tim Southee is the bowling coach, Russell is the power coach, Shane Watson is the assistant coach, Dwayne Bravo is the mentor, and Abhishek Nayar is the new head coach.
“Nair, Bravo and Russell are there. Familiar faces and obviously playing against Watto (Watson) over the years and with Southee as well. So it’s going to be exciting. A new challenge again obviously, but I think it’s a lot of knowledge in the support staff. So looking forward to it,” Narine said.
During their ILT20 match against Sharjah Warriorz, the Trinidadian became the third bowler in T20 history to attain the milestone of 600 wickets.
“It’s a huge milestone for me. I started from a small nation like Trinidad and now reaching here to 600 wickets. I mean it’s something I’ve never dreamed of. I’m happy to be part of that 600-club and hopefully many more to come.
“I’ve always got support from family, loved ones and the Knight Riders family. It’s a privilege to be here and getting to play for the Knight Riders.”
