KKR Signs Chetan Sakariya as Replacement for Injured Umran Malik Ahead of IPL 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed left-arm fast bowler Chetan Sakariya as a replacement for Umran Malik ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
Malik, who was purchased by the defending champions for ₹75 lakh, has been ruled out of the upcoming season due to an unspecified injury.
Sakariya Returns to KKR After Missing Previous Season
The 27-year-old Sakariya was previously picked up by KKR for their title-winning campaign last season but did not play a single match.
He went unsold at the mega auction held late last year but has now been signed as a replacement for Malik at the same price of ₹75 lakh.
Sakariya has played 19 IPL matches over three seasons (2021–2023), taking 20 wickets at an economy rate of 8.43.
He made his IPL debut with Rajasthan Royals before moving to Delhi Capitals in 2022. In all T20s, Sakariya has 65 wickets from 46 matches, with an economy of 7.69.
Umran Malik’s Injury Raises Concerns for KKR
Malik, 25, has not played any competitive matches since IPL 2024, where he appeared in just one game for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Known for his ability to bowl consistently over 150 km/h, Malik burst onto the scene in 2021.
However, injuries and health issues have affected his career. He was expected to play in the Duleep Trophy at the beginning of the 2024–25 domestic season but was sidelined by dengue and later suffered a hip fracture.
Malik has played eight T20Is for India, taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of 10.48. His absence creates a significant void in KKR’s bowling attack, particularly in the death overs where his express pace was often a game-changer.
Sakariya’s Experience and Potential Contribution
Sakariya brings international experience, having played one ODI and two T20Is for India. In the IPL, he has maintained a steady performance, taking 20 wickets in 19 games.
Although he lacks Malik’s raw pace, Sakariya’s left-arm angle and ability to swing the ball make him a valuable asset.
His strength lies in controlling the ball and exploiting movement off the pitch, making him particularly effective in the powerplay and middle overs.
Sakariya’s ability to remain composed under pressure further strengthens KKR’s bowling attack.
Strategic Shift for KKR
Sakariya’s inclusion signals a strategic shift for KKR, as the team adjusts to the absence of Malik’s raw pace.
Spencer Johnson remains KKR’s first-choice left-arm fast bowler, but Sakariya’s versatility gives the team more options in their bowling combinations.
KKR now faces the challenge of compensating for Malik’s ability to deliver breakthroughs with sheer speed. Sakariya’s precision and swing could provide a different but equally effective dimension to KKR’s attack.
Malik’s Eagerness to Represent KKR
Before his injury, Malik had expressed excitement about joining KKR and working with bowling coach Bharat Arun.
“I am really happy to join KKR this season. I am so, so excited to don the KKR jersey. I just can’t wait. They are the defending champions, and I am sure they will win another title this season. I am grateful and thankful to them for giving me this chance,” Malik told Times of India.
“I am confident about getting plenty of opportunities this time with KKR. I am 200 percent fit and raring to go. You will see a different Umran Malik this time. I want to perform well in the IPL and make a comeback to the Indian side. The IPL has been a massive platform for most cricketers, including me,” he added.
KKR’s Road to IPL 2025
KKR are the defending champions, having won the IPL 2024 title against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The team has made strategic changes for the upcoming season, including appointing Dwayne Bravo as their mentor and Otis Gibson as the assistant coach.
The 18th edition of the IPL will begin on March 22, 2025, with KKR facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The final is scheduled for May 25, 2025, also at Eden Gardens.
The first double-header will take place on March 23, featuring Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals in the afternoon match, followed by Mumbai Indians versus Chennai Super Kings in the evening game.
KKR’s Squad for IPL 2025
KKR’s squad for the 2025 season includes:
- Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Ramandeep Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Anrich Nortje, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Spencer Johnson, Luvnith Sisodia, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, and Chetan Sakariya.
KKR fans are optimistic about Sakariya’s contribution to the team’s title defense.
His skill set and experience could help KKR maintain a balanced bowling attack despite Malik’s absence. All eyes will be on Sakariya as KKR aims for back-to-back IPL titles.
