IPL 2025: KKR Secures Chetan Sakariya as Malik's Replacement
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Synopsis
On March 16, KKR announced Chetan Sakariya as a replacement for the injured Umran Malik for IPL 2025. Changes in leadership and strategy signal KKR's ambition to retain their title.
Key Takeaways
- Chetan Sakariya replaces Umran Malik for IPL 2025.
- Ajinkya Rahane appointed as captain.
- KKR's pre-tournament camp began with a pooja ceremony.
- Strong leadership and fan support at Eden Gardens.
- First match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Kolkata, March 16 (NationPress) The reigning champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), have secured Chetan Sakariya as a substitute for fast bowler Umran Malik in the forthcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Umran, renowned for his exceptional speed, previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2021 to 2024 and was acquired by KKR for Rs 75 lakhs during the auction. However, he has now been sidelined for the season due to an injury.
Sakariya, a left-arm medium pacer, has represented India in one ODI and two T20Is, playing 19 IPL matches and taking 20 wickets.
The Kolkata-based franchise has witnessed numerous changes leading up to the 2025 season, affecting both their roster and coaching staff. Last year’s title-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, was released before the mega auction and later signed by Punjab Kings, where he was appointed as captain. In his absence, KKR has named Ajinkya Rahane as the new captain, with Venkatesh Iyer as his deputy.
Rahane recently led Mumbai to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy during the domestic season, emerging as the tournament's highest run-scorer with 469 runs in nine matches, which included five half-centuries, earning him the title of Player of the Tournament.
The defending champions commenced their pre-tournament camp in Kolkata with a pooja ceremony at the Eden Gardens pitch on Wednesday. The coaching staff and players took part in the ceremony before starting cricket-related activities at this iconic venue. Captain Rahane and pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee conducted the rituals to pay homage to cricket, seeking blessings for another successful IPL season.
With a solid core of players, seasoned leadership, and enthusiastic supporters at Eden Gardens, KKR seems well-equipped to defend their title in IPL 2025. They will kick off their campaign at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22.
