IPL 2025: Chetan Sakariya replaces injured Umran Malik in KKR squad

KKR signed Chetan Sakariya for his base price of INR 75 lakhs to replace Umran Malik in their squad.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are gearing up to defend their title in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise released their captain Shreyas Iyer before the mega auction and then appointed veteran Ajinkya Rahane as their new captain for the upcoming season.

But, just a few days before the start of the tournament, the reigning champions suffered a massive blow as star Indian fast bowler Umran Malik has been ruled out of the tournament. The Jammu-born pacer had been suffering from an injury for a while now.

Umran was in his rehab, but with not much time left for the start of IPL 2025, the fast bowler now has been ruled out of the tournament. It is a huge blow for KKR as Umran is one of the fastest Indian pacers, and his speed could’ve been a big weapon for the side, especially on dry pitches at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

KKR sign Chetan Sakariya as replacement for injured Umran Malik for IPL 2025

KKR will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the tournament’s opener on March 22 (Saturday) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Ahead of the campaign starts, the franchise has signed left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya as replacement of Umran Malik. The 27-year-old will now represent the defending champion in IPL 2025.

The announcement was made on official IPL website on Sunday evening, with the statement reading, “Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) picked Chetan Sakariya as a replacement for Umran Malik for the upcoming edition of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Umran Malik is ruled out of the season due to an injury. Sakariya has represented India in an ODI and two T20Is and has played 19 IPL games, scalping 20 wickets from the same. Sakariya, a left-arm medium pacer, joins KKR for INR 75 Lakh.”

Confirming the news, KKR took it to social media and announced the same.

The franchise signed Sakariya for his base price of INR 75 lakhs. Sakariya was part of KKR in 2024, but didn’t get a game to play in their IPL-winning season. Later, he was released ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction and went unsold.

However, he is all set to be back for KKR and is likely to join the team very soon. Sakariya has played 19 games in the IPL and has taken 20 wickets at an economy rate of 8.43. He has played for Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals in the IPL.

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