In a significant development ahead of IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced Chetan Sakariya as the replacement for Umran Malik in IPL 2025. This decision comes after Umran Malik was ruled out due to fitness concerns, forcing the defending champions, Kolkata, to find a suitable replacement for the pace bowler.
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Why Is Umran Malik Not Playing IPL 2025？
One of the biggest talking points this season is: Why is Umran Malik not playing IPL? The speedster from Jammu and Kashmir will miss the IPL 2025 season due to a stress-related injury; the pacer has struggled with lower back issues and a suspected side strain, forcing him to sit out, This led to KKR seeking a replacement for Umran Malik in IPL 2025.
Umran’s fitness concerns first emerged in IPL 2024, where he played just one match before being sidelined. Fans are now left wondering, Why is Umran Malik not playing IPL 2025, especially after KKR had high hopes for him this season.
Umran’s ability to consistently clock over 150 kmph makes him one of the most exciting prospects in Indian cricket, but it also puts immense strain on his body. Injuries have kept him from being consistent. Malik was highly anticipated by KKR, who wanted him to lead their pace attack in tandem with their seasoned bowlers in the squad, like Nortje and Harshit Rana.
Why Did KKR Choose Chetan Sakariya？
With Umran Malik being unavailable, KKR moved to sign Chetan Sakariya as the replacement for Umran Malik in IPL 2025. While Sakariya may not have the raw speed of Malik, he does bring a different set of skills to the table: swing, accuracy, and the ability to bowl in crucial moments.
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Chetan Sakariya was first recognised in the IPL 2021 season playing for the Rajasthan Royals, Sakariya grabbed many eyeballs for his accuracy at the back end of the innings. In that 2021 IPL season Sakariya was able to take 20 wickets with an impressive economy of 8.44 in the 19 games he played.
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Sakariya’s ability to swing the new ball and keep control in the final overs is what makes him so strong. On Indian pitches, his slower deliveries and cutters can be especially potent. Although he might not be as quick as Malik, he is a wise choice because of his ability to trick batters with movement and variations.
What This Means for KKR in IPL 2025？
With a well-rounded team, KKR will aim to defend their title as IPL 2025 draws near. Sakariya’s inclusion gives them a dependable left-arm seamer who can support their bowling attack in the back end of the innings, even though losing Malik is a setback. With the likes of Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora and Spencer Johnson in their bowling lineup Sakariya’s addition does provide the variety that they were lacking.
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The Kolkata Knight Riders are set to begin their IPL 2025 campaign against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on the very first day of the tournament at their home stadium of Eden Gardens. Chetan Sakariya’s performance in this new role will be eagerly anticipated by fans. He might solidify his spot in the squad and possibly argue for a return to the Indian national team if he puts up good performances.
Conclusion
Sakariya’s selection presents a new opportunity, even though KKR would have preferred to have Malik in their squad. As KKR looks to have another successful IPL 2025 season, his ability to swing the ball, execute variations, and handle pressure situations will be essential. With the replacement for Umran Malik in IPL 2025 finalized, all eyes will now be on Sakariya to prove his worth on the big stage.
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