Sunil Narine backs Umran Malik to excel for KKR in IPL 2026: ‘I think you need that X factor when it comes to pace in IPL’

“Hopefully he stays fit. I’m looking forward to seeing some 145-150kph balls,” Narine added.

Umran initially burst on to the scene in his 4-year-association with Sunrisers Hyderabad when he bowled a 157kph delivery, the third fastest by an Indian in IPL. He took 29 wickets in 26 matches at 26.62 including a career-best 5/25. His peak came in IPL 2022 when he took 22 wickets at 20.18, fifth in the tournament earning him an India call-up the same year.

He has since played 10 ODIs and eight T20Is for India, taking 13 and 11 wickets respectively. His last India outing was in July 2023 last played in the IPL for SRH in 2024. After being released by Sunrisers Hyderabad, Umran was picked by KKR for his base price of Rs 75 lakh ahead of IPL 2025.

Umran has since made a comeback from injury, showing glimpses of his skills, taking 5 wickets in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Narine also talked about his former teammate Andre Russell who retired from the IPL after not getting retained by KKR but ended up joining the franchise as power-hitting coach ahead of the 2026 edition.

“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,” he added.