The former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop has praised Umran Malik and feels that he will be reaching a new stage of height under the mentorship of Dwane Bravo at the Kolkata Knight Riders campaign at IPL 2025.

Umran Malik has joined the three-time champions KKR for a price of INR 75 lakh during the IPL 2025 auction. Before that, he was with SRH between the years 2021 and 2024.

His peak performance comes from the 2022 season, where he picked 22 wickets in 14 games, but failed to perform in the following season and 2024 season.

On this occasion, Ian Bishop feels that under Bharat Arun and KKR Mentor Bravo would help Umran Malik to reach new heights.

“I am hopeful that the excellent Bharat Arun, and the terrific mentorship of Dwayne Bravo can help Umran Malik find peak performance at KKR” said Ian Bishop in X.

Meanwhile, Umran Malik is confident on making a comeback to the Indian team after more that one and half years.

“I am really happy to join KKR this season, so excited to don the KKR jersey. I just can’t wait. They are the defending champions, and I am sure they will win another title this season.”

“I am grateful and thankful to them for giving me this chance, confident about getting plenty of opportunities this time with KKR. I am 200 percent fit and raring to go. You will see a different Umran Malik this time.”

“I want to perform well in the IPL and make a comeback to the Indian side. The IPL has been a massive platform for most cricketers, including me,” said Umran Malik.

Constant injuries has seen a dip in Umran’s pace. He said that his comeback date is already set.

He will be playing his first game in eight months in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 and then feature for Jammu and Kashmir in Vijay hazare Trophy. He also aims for his return in IPL during 2025 season.

“I am going to kill it in IPL 2025. I am confident of taking a number of wickets this time and just want to go out and perform for KKR. Speed gives me a thrill. I am not sure whether I will touch 160, but I am confident I will take plenty of wickets at speeds in the 150s,” he added.

KKR has made one of the highest buys during the 2025 auction as they bought Venkatesh Iyer for a price of INR 23.75.

As the IPL dates confirmed for the upcoming seasons, all eyes are awaiting for the Schedule announcment for the 2025 season.