Overview

• Playing for Jammu & Kashmir in the All India Buchi Babu Invitational, the 25-year-old fast bowler made his first competitive appearance since March 27, 2024.
• He dismissed Odisha opener Om T Munde with the last ball of his first over and removed captain Subhranshu Senapati with the first ball of his next over.
• He finished his spell at 2 for 35 from 10 overs in the first innings, a workload that underlined his return to match fitness.
• Malik missed the 2024–25 domestic season with a hip injury and, despite being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2025, was ruled out before the tournament and continued rehabilitation.
• He has stated that strong performances in the Buchi Babu and then the Ranji Trophy are his pathway to an India recall, with no national selection updates announced.