Chetan Sakariya joins KKR as net bowler: Details here
What's the story
Chetan Sakariya, a veteran Team India pacer, has returned to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after going unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
The left-arm pacer was a part of the Knight Riders last season. However, he will only be operating as a net bowler for now.
This is his return to the franchise that bought him in the IPL 2024 auction for ₹50 lakh but didn't play him in any matches last season.
Injury and recovery
Sakariya's career journey: From wrist injury to KKR comeback
Sakariya's journey in professional cricket hasn't been a smooth one.
Despite being part of Saurashtra's Ranji Trophy-winning team before his IPL debut, he suffered a dip in form, making only five appearances for Delhi Capitals over two seasons.
A major wrist injury kept him out of all forms of cricket, but after regaining full fitness, he impressed the KKR bowling coach in a T20 tournament in Mumbai.
Implications
Sakariya's potential growth at KKR
Sakariya has his chance to resurrect as a net bowler now. He will be paid ₹2 lakh for the job.
But the chance to train with top players and an esteemed support staff comprising Arun, mentor Dwayne Bravo, head coach Chandrakant Pandit, and assistant coach Ottis Gibson could improve his skills on the field.
Matches
A look at his career
Sakariya made his international debut in July 2021 in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo. He also played two T20Is on the same tour.
The left-arm seamer has taken three wickets in as many international matches so far.
In 19 IPL games, Sakariya has scalped 20 wickets at an average of 29.95. He made his debut in 2021 for Rajasthan Royals.
Sakariya played the next two seasons for DC.