Returning to the defending champions, Chetan Sakariya expresses gratitude and confidence ahead of IPL 2025, aiming to make a strong impact with Kolkata Knight Riders.
🔹 Sakariya Rejoins KKR, Calls It His Second Home
Left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya is thrilled to be back with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for IPL 2025, after being signed as a replacement for Umran Malik, who has been ruled out due to injury.
Sakariya, who officially joined the Knight Riders’ squad on Monday, shared his excitement, stating:
“I am really happy to be back. It feels like I never left the squad. KKR has an energetic atmosphere, and all the players are working with the same mindset in training.”
The 27-year-old seamer from Saurashtra has previously played one ODI and two T20Is for India, along with featuring in 19 IPL matches, picking up 20 wickets. However, he is also recovering from an injury setback he suffered earlier this year in February 2024.
🔹 Gearing Up for a Strong IPL Season
Sakariya expressed gratitude towards KKR’s management for placing their faith in him and outlined his approach for the upcoming season.
“I am very grateful to the KKR management because they believe in me. I am in a good state of mind and have been preparing well, so I am confident going into the season.”
The left-arm pacer will benefit from the expert guidance of Bharat Arun (bowling coach) and Dwayne Bravo (mentor), and he is looking forward to learning from both.
“We have bowling experts in our staff. If you need help with the tactical elements and planning, you can go to DJ Bravo. If there are any issues with your rhythm, Bharat sir is the expert. So, as a fast bowler, you can benefit from both.”
🔹 KKR’s IPL 2025 Journey Begins
The defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will kick off IPL 2025 with a high-voltage clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 22 at Eden Gardens.
This season, Ajinkya Rahane will lead KKR, and the team looks well-balanced to defend their title.
🔹 KKR Squad for IPL 2025
🔥 Batters: Rinku Singh (retained), Rovman Powell, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Luvnith Sisodia, Ajinkya Rahane (captain).
🧤 Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
⚡ Allrounders: Venkatesh Iyer (pace), Andre Russell (pace; retained), Sunil Narine (spin; retained), Ramandeep Singh (pace; retained), Anukul Roy (spin), Moeen Ali (spin).
🎯 Spinners: Varun Chakravarthy (retained), Mayank Markande.
🔥 Fast Bowlers: Harshit Rana (retained), Vaibhav Arora, Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson, Chetan Sakariya.