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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have suffered a significant blow ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Their newly acquired pacer, Umran Malik, has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. In a swift response, KKR has announced a renowned left-arm medium pacer as his replacement. This development has reshaped the defending champions’ plans just days before their opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22 at Eden Gardens.
Umran Malik’s injury: A setback for KKR
Malik, known for his blistering pace and ability to clock speeds exceeding 150 kmph, was seen as a key addition to KKR’s bowling arsenal. The franchise secured him for INR 75 lakh during the IPL 2025 auction, hoping his raw pace would complement their bowling attack. However, Malik’s recurring injury issues have once again sidelined him. This marks the second consecutive IPL season where the speedster has struggled to make an impact, having played only one game in IPL 2024 before being ruled out due to fitness concerns.
Malik first rose to prominence during IPL 2021 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where his express pace rattled batters. Despite his potential, inconsistency in line and length often made him expensive in crucial moments. After being released by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the 2025 season, KKR took a calculated gamble on him, which unfortunately has not paid off due to his injury.
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A new opportunity for the forgotten gem
Chetan Sakariya, a left-arm pacer with international experience, has been named as Malik’s replacement. The 27-year-old made his IPL debut in 2021 with Rajasthan Royals and had a breakthrough season, claiming 14 wickets in 14 matches. Despite early success, injuries and limited opportunities saw him fade from the spotlight over subsequent seasons. In total, Sakariya has played 19 IPL matches, taking 20 wickets at an economy rate of 8.44.
Sakariya joins KKR for INR 75 lakh and brings versatility to their bowling lineup. His ability to swing the ball and deliver under pressure could prove invaluable for the team. Having already been part of the KKR camp as a net bowler, Sakariya is familiar with the team dynamics and will aim to make the most of this opportunity to revive his career.
HE. IS. BACK! 🔥💜 pic.twitter.com/fdfnhQvVJF
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 16, 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling depth
Despite this setback, KKR boast a formidable bowling unit featuring international stars like Anrich Nortje and Spencer Johnson. The inclusion of Sakariya adds variety with his left-arm angle alongside the pace and bounce offered by Nortje and Johnson. The team management will now need to carefully strategize how to utilize their resources effectively in Malik’s absence.
KKR’s bowling attack will play a crucial role in their title defense this season. With seasoned campaigners like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy also in their ranks, KKR remains a strong contender despite losing Malik.
