Kolkat Knight Riders (KKR) have suffered a significant blow in front of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Their newly acquired pacer, MilikIt is excluded from the tournament due to injury. In a quick response, Kkr announced as his replacement to the famous middle pacer of his left hand. This development transformed champion plans just a few days before their introductory match Royal challengers Bengalur 22. March in Eden Gardens.
UMRAN MALIKA INJURY: Failure to KKR
Malik, known for his glittering pace and the ability to tighten speed exceeding 150 km / h, was seen as a key addition to KKR Bowling Arsenal. The franchise provided it for INR 75 Lakh during the auction of the IPL 2025, hoping that his raw pace would supplement their attack on bowling. However, Malika’s questions that are repeated by the injury once again left him aside. This indicates the second consecutive IPL season in which Speedster struggled to make an impact, playing only one game in the IPL 2024, before it was excluded due to fitness.
Malik was first highlighted during the IPL 2021 with Sunrizers Hyderabadwhere his express pace rattled the dough. Despite its potential, inconsistency in order and length often made it expensive at key moments. After being released by Sunrizers Hyderabad on the eve of the 2025 season, KKR took a calculated gambling on it, which unfortunately did not pay off because of his injury.
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New opportunity for a forgotten gem
Chetan SakariyaPacer of left hand with international experience, was named Malika’s replacement. The 27-year-old debuted at IPL 2021. Rajasthan Royals And he had a breakthrough season, claiming 14 shots in 14 games. Despite his early success, injuries and limited opportunities saw him exit the reflector during the following seasons. A total of Sakariya played 19 IPL matches, taking 20 wickekets at an economy rate of 8.44.
Sakariya joins the KKR KKR for INR 75 lakh and brings versatility to their bowling band. His ability to swing the ball and the delivery under pressure could prove invaluable to the team. Since he was already part of the KKR Camp as a net bowler, Sakariya is introduced to the team dynamics and will try to make the best use of this opportunity to revive her career.
HE. IS. BACK! 🔥💜 pic.twitter.com/fdfnhqvvjf
– Kolkataknighthriders (@kkriders) March 16, 2025
Knight Riders Kolkat Knight’s Knight bowling depth
Despite this failure, KKR boasts an incredible bowling altogether with international stars like Anrich Nortje and Spencer Johnson. The inclusion of Sakariya adds diversity with the corner of the left hand with the pace and the bounce that offered Nortje and Johnson. The team management will now have to carefully strategic how to effectively use their resources in Malika’s absence.
KKR -O’s bowling attack will play a key role in their defense of the title this season. With experienced campaigns like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy Also in their ranks, KKR remains a strong candidate despite the loss of Malik.
Also read: IPL 2025: Kolkat Knight Riders Rope in Chetan Sakariya but with a turnaround
