In a move that could mark the beginning of a remarkable comeback, Chetan Sakariya has re-joined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a net bowler ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This development comes after he went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, a setback that could have derailed his career. However, with his determination and the support of KKR, he is poised to revive his cricketing journey.
The rise and fall of a promising career
Sakariya’s cricket career has been a rollercoaster ride filled with both triumphs and setbacks. Born on February 28, 1998, in Vartej, Gujarat, he rose to prominence with his impressive performances for Saurashtra in domestic cricket. His breakthrough came in the 2020-21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he grabbed 12 wickets and bowled at an economy rate of 4.9. This success paved the way for his IPL debut with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2021, where he picked up 14 wickets in as many matches, earning him a spot on the Indian national team.
The road to recovery and redemption
The journey to redemption began with his recovery from a major wrist injury. He consulted Dr. Sudhir Warrier, a specialist recommended by the National Cricket Academy (NCA), and worked tirelessly to regain his fitness. The turning point came when he was spotted by KKR’s bowling coach, Bharat Arun, during a T20 tournament in Mumbai. Impressed by Sakariya’s form, Arun offered him a role as a net bowler for KKR, providing him with a lifeline to revive his career. This opportunity not only gives Sakariya a chance to train with top-class players like Andre Russell and Anrich Nortje but also allows him to learn from a renowned support staff, including head coach Chandrakant Pandit and assistant coach Ottis Gibson.
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Challenges and personal struggles
Sakariya’s career has been marked by personal challenges as well. In 2021, he faced the tragic loss of his father due to COVID-19 and his brother’s untimely death. These personal setbacks, combined with his professional struggles, have made his journey even more challenging. Despite these hardships, Sakariya’s resilience and determination to revive his cricketing career are inspiring.
A new beginning with KKR
As Sakariya begins his stint with KKR as a net bowler, he is not just looking to improve his skills but also to prove himself once again. His association with KKR is not new; he was part of the team in IPL 2024 but did not get any game time. This time around, while he may not be part of the playing XI immediately, the opportunity to train with the team could be a stepping stone to bigger things.
The IPL 2025 season, starting on March 22, will be a crucial period for Sakariya. As he works behind the scenes, his ultimate goal remains to regain his place in the Indian national team and become a regular in the IPL. With KKR’s support and his own hard work, the left-arm pacer is well on his way to achieving this goal.
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