Chetan Sakariya steps in for injured Umran Malik at KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed left-arm seamer Chetan Sakariya as a replacement for the injured Umran Malik, who has been ruled out of IPL 2025.

Malik, 25, has not played any competitive cricket since IPL 2024, where he featured in just one match for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sakariya, also returning from injury, last played a competitive game during the Ranji Trophy for Saurashtra in February 2024.

Malik, known for his express pace and ability to clock speeds over 150kph, burst onto the scene in 2021 but has since struggled with injuries and illness. He was initially set to feature in the Duleep Trophy at the start of the 2024-25 domestic season but had to withdraw due to dengue. Unfortunately, a subsequent hip fracture sidelined him further.

To date, Malik has played eight T20Is, taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of 10.48. Sakariya, on the other hand, has featured in two T20Is, claiming one wicket at an economy rate of 9.27.

Sakariya is likely to provide backup for Spencer Johnson, KKR's primary left-arm fast bowler. Malik's absence leaves KKR without a like-for-like Indian replacement for Anrich Nortje, who is also known for his injury concerns.

KKR head into the 2025 season as defending champions, having defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024 final.