Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed left-arm seamer Chetan Sakariya as a replacement for the injured Umran Malik ahead of IPL 2025. Malik, 25, has been sidelined due to injuries and has not played a competitive match since IPL 2024, where he featured in just one game for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Sakariya, who last played in the Ranji Trophy for Saurashtra in February 2024, is also making a comeback from injury. The left-arm pacer has played two T20Is, taking one wicket at an economy rate of 9.27. Meanwhile, Malik, who made headlines in 2021 with his express pace, has struggled with injuries and illness over the past year. He planned to play in the Duleep Trophy at the start of the 2024-25 domestic season but withdrew after contracting dengue. Later, he suffered a hip fracture, further delaying his return.
Malik has featured in eight T20Is, picking up 11 wickets at an economy rate of 10.48. His absence leaves KKR without an Indian pacer capable of matching Anrich Nortje’s speed, especially since Nortje has also dealt with injuries.
Sakariya’s inclusion strengthens KKR’s pace attack and provides an alternative to Spencer Johnson, their primary left-arm fast bowler. As the defending IPL champions, KKR will aim to maintain their dominance after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 final. Sakariya’s ability to swing the new ball and deliver in pressure situations could prove valuable for the team in the upcoming season.
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