Chetan Sakariya Replaces Injured Umran Malik in KKR Squad for IPL 2025

Chetan Sakariya Replaces Injured Umran Malik in KKR Squad for IPL 2025

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have made a key squad adjustment for IPL 2025 by bringing in left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya as a replacement for the injured Umran Malik. While both bowlers bring different strengths to the table, this move could impact KKR’s fast-bowling attack significantly.

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KKR’s Forced Change:

 Umran Malik’s Injury Woes Continue

Umran Malik, renowned for his ability to consistently clock speeds above 150 km/h, has been struggling with injuries and fitness concerns over the past year. The 25-year-old speedster, who played just one game for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2024, was expected to participate in the Duleep Trophy at the start of the 2024-25 domestic season. However, his comeback was derailed first by a bout of dengue, followed by a hip fracture, ruling him out of IPL 2025.

Malik's raw pace made him one of India’s most exciting young fast bowlers, but his inconsistency and injury troubles have limited his appearances. In 8 T20Is for India, he has taken 11 wickets at an economy rate of 10.48, while in the IPL, he has managed 29 wickets in 26 matches at an economy rate of 9.31.

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Chetan Sakariya Joins KKR: What Does He Bring to the Table?

KKR has opted for Chetan Sakariya, a crafty left-arm seamer, as Malik’s replacement. Sakariya, who last played competitive cricket in February 2024 for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy, is also making a return from injury.

Unlike Malik’s express pace, Sakariya relies on swing, accuracy, and variations to trouble batters. He has played 19 IPL matches across three seasons (2021-2023), picking up 20 wickets at an economy rate of 8.43. On the international stage, he has featured in two T20Is and one ODI for India, claiming a total of two wickets.

For KKR, Sakariya could be a valuable addition, especially as a backup for Spencer Johnson, the team's first-choice left-arm fast bowler. His ability to swing the ball and bowl in different phases of the game could give KKR more flexibility in their bowling attack.

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Is Sakariya the Ideal Replacement for Malik?

While Chetan Sakariya and Umran Malik have contrasting bowling styles, KKR’s decision makes sense given their squad dynamics. With Anrich Nortje, their lead overseas pacer, also prone to injuries, KKR needed a reliable Indian pace option.

Here’s how the two bowlers compare:

Player	Bowling Style	T20I Stats	IPL Stats
Umran Malik	Right-arm fast (150+ km/h)	11 wickets, Econ 10.48 (8 T20Is)	29 wickets, Econ 9.31 (26 IPL matches)
Chetan Sakariya	Left-arm medium-fast (swing & variations)	2 wickets, Econ 9.27 (2 T20Is)	20 wickets, Econ 8.43 (19 IPL matches)

While Sakariya won’t replace Malik’s sheer pace, his control and left-arm angle bring variety to KKR’s attack. However, his match fitness remains a concern, as he hasn’t played competitive cricket for over a year.

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KKR’s Title Defense: Bowling Depth Under the Scanner

As defending IPL champions, KKR will be under pressure to perform at their best in IPL 2025. While their spin attack remains strong, the absence of a genuine Indian speedster like Malik could put more responsibility on the likes of Spencer Johnson, Anrich Nortje, and Chetan Sakariya.

KKR fans will be hoping Sakariya regains full rhythm and delivers match-winning spells when called upon. His inclusion might not be a like-for-like replacement for Umran Malik, but it could still turn out to be a smart tactical move by KKR.

What do you think? 

Can Sakariya make an impact for KKR in IPL 2025? 

Let us know in the comments!