Cricket fans were thrilled when young left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya made his debut for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). What makes his journey even more special is that he had already won a title with the franchise before even playing a single match for them! Sakariya was part of KKR’s victorious 2024 IPL campaign, though he didn’t get a chance to play. Now, with his official debut, the talented bowler is ready to make an impact.
But who exactly is Chetan Sakariya, and how did he rise to prominence in Indian cricket? Let’s take a closer look at his inspiring journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a promising IPL star.
Early Life and Background
Born on February 28, 1998, in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, Chetan Sakariya had a modest upbringing. His father was a small-time mechanic, and the family faced financial struggles. Despite the challenges, Sakariya’s passion for cricket never wavered. He started playing street cricket and gradually honed his skills in local tournaments.
Unlike many cricketers who join big academies early on, Sakariya’s initial training came through hard work in local grounds. His talent was soon recognized, and he began playing for Saurashtra in domestic cricket.
Domestic Cricket Rise
Sakariya made his List A debut for Saurashtra in 2018 and his First-Class debut in 2019. However, his real breakthrough came in the 2020-21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he impressed with his left-arm pace and clever variations. He picked up 12 wickets in just 5 matches, catching the attention of IPL scouts.
His ability to swing the ball, bowl accurate yorkers, and deliver under pressure made him a standout performer. Soon, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) signed him for ₹1.2 crore in the 2021 IPL auction.
IPL Journey: From Rajasthan Royals to Kolkata Knight Riders
1. Rajasthan Royals (2021-2023)
Sakariya made an immediate impact in his debut IPL season (2021), taking 14 wickets in 14 matches. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and death overs made him a valuable asset. Despite RR’s inconsistent performances, Sakariya remained one of their most reliable bowlers.
However, injuries and team changes led to his release after the 2023 season.
2. Delhi Capitals (2024 – Briefly)
In the 2024 IPL auction, Sakariya was bought by Delhi Capitals (DC). However, before the season began, he was traded to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for the injured Gus Atkinson.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders (2024 – Present)
Though he didn’t play a single match in KKR’s title-winning 2024 season, Sakariya was part of the squad, gaining experience and learning from legends like Mitchell Starc and Sunil Narine.
Now, with his official debut for KKR, fans are excited to see what he brings to the table.
Playing Style and Strengths
Sakariya is a left-arm medium-fast bowler known for his:
- Swing and seam movement – Can trouble batsmen early on.
- Death bowling skills – Excellent yorkers and slower balls.
- Fighting spirit – Comes from a tough background, making him mentally strong.
His ability to adapt to different match situations makes him a valuable T20 bowler.
Future Prospects
At 26, Sakariya has a long career ahead. If he continues performing well in the IPL, a national team comeback (he played 1 T20I for India in 2021) could be on the cards. With KKR’s strong coaching staff, including Chandrakant Pandit and Bharat Arun, he has the perfect environment to grow.
Conclusion
Chetan Sakariya’s journey from Bhavnagar’s streets to the IPL is truly inspiring. His hard work, resilience, and skill make him a player to watch out for. Now, with his KKR debut, he has a golden opportunity to cement his place as one of India’s finest emerging pacers.
Will he rise to the occasion and become KKR’s next bowling star? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Chetan Sakariya is a name to remember!