IPL 2025: Why should Chennai Super Kings go after 'Pace Sensation' Umran Malik at Auction

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) narrowly missed out on the playoffs in IPL 2024 season, finishing fifth on the table under Ruturaj Gaikwad's leadership. The five-time IPL champions missed an opportunity to defend their title.

Recently, reports were rife that Umran Malik is set to be released by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2025.

It is evident that CSK are expected to be strategic at the auction this year. They will be on the hunt to buy players who fit their philosophy and one player they might target is Umran Malik. CSK struggled with their bowling last season, which was a major disappointment, even though they were hitting the sweet spot in the batting unit.

If CSK manages to acquire Umran Malik, he could become a key player in their bowling attack. With his impressive pace and potential, he would benefit greatly from joining hands with CSK's bowling coach, DJ Bravo, where he will be able to learn, grow and excel as a bowler. This could be an excellent opportunity for Malik to hone his skills and become a more effective bowler.

Malik shot to prominence for his blistering pace and has been with SRH since his debut in 2021. He was originally brought in as a short-term replacement for T Natarajan in the UAE leg of IPL 2021 but was retained by the Sunrisers for INR 4 crore. The 24-year-old let his ball do the talking in the subsequent season, bagging 22 wickets in 14 matches.

However, his performance took a big hit the following seasons. In IPL 2023, he played only eight matches, taking five wickets with an average of 43.40 and an economy rate of 10.85 and in the next year, he got to play just one match. It is apparent that SRH might just release the youngster who lacked enough game time.

The Jammu Express wouldn't want to waste time in warming the bench. He would hope to shift his base to another franchise and if things go well, CSK might as well come after him in the auction. One of the hallmarks of CSK’s success is their ability to nurture and develop players. Almost every player who has signed with CSK has learned the tricks and trade of the game and performed exceptionally well because CSK brings out the best in everyone, which we have seen over the years.