NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders have suffered a major setback ahead of IPL 2025, as their pace sensation Umran Malik has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
KKR have roped in left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya as Umran’s replacement.
Known for his raw pace, Umran, who represented Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2021 to 2024, was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 75 lakh at the IPL 2025 Auction.
Sakariya, who went unsold in the IPL 2025 Auction, has been signed by KKR for Rs 75 lakh.
The 26-year-old has previously played for Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals in the IPL, featuring in 19 matches and claiming 20 wickets.
Sakariya has also represented India in one ODI and two T20Is, where he has two international wickets to his name.
KKR have made several changes ahead of the 2025 season, both in their squad and support staff.
Last season’s title-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, was released before the mega auction and later signed by Punjab Kings, where he was named skipper.
In his absence, KKR have handed the captaincy to Ajinkya Rahane.
Rahane, who led Mumbai to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earlier this season, was also the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 469 runs in nine matches, including five fifties. He was named Player of the Tournament for his stellar performance.
KKR will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on March 22.
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