Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed Chetan Sakariya, a left-arm seamer, to replace Umran Malik, who is currently unable to play in IPL 2025.
Malik, 25, has been out of competitive play since IPL 2024, where he made a single appearance for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Similarly, Sakariya is currently recovering from an injury and his last appearance was during a representative match in February 2024 for the Ranji Trophy.
A rapid and formidable bowler, Malik made a name for himself in 2021, but has faced challenges with injuries and sickness ever since. He was initially selected to participate in the Duleep Trophy during the beginning of the 2024-25 domestic season, but had to withdraw due to a bout of dengue. Soon after, he also endured a hip fracture.
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Malik has participated in eight T20Is, acquiring a total of 11 wickets with an economy rate of 10.48. Meanwhile, Sakariya has appeared in two T20Is, recording one wicket at an economy rate of 9.27.
Sakariya may step in for Spencer Johnson, KKR’s preferred left-arm fast bowler. However, with Malik out due to injury, there is currently no Indian alternative for the injury-prone Anrich Nortje on KKR’s team.
KKR are the reigning champions, having emerged victorious over SRH in the IPL 2024 final.
