Left-arm fast bowler Chetan Sakariya played his first home game for Saurashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2024 after not playing a single match since his injury. The fast bowler shared his inspirational comeback story after losing all hope of returning to cricket.
Injuries are the biggest problem in a player’s life. For cricketers, especially bowlers, a blow to their bowling arm can almost put an end to their career. Indian left-arm bowler Chetan Sakariya from Saurashtra also had to deal with the same problem in the early days of his career.
However, he bounced back and played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL last season and finally mustered up the courage and made a comeback to domestic Indian cricket with the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season.
Chetan Sakariya returns from career-ending wrist injury
Chetan Sakariya, once considered one of India’s finest young talents, was considered one of the future superstars of the country’s fast bowling. He came to fame in 2020 after winning the Ranji Trophy with Saurashtra.
However, his career suffered several unexpected setbacks. The first blow came in the form of a personal tragedy, but the worrying blow that almost ended his career came in February 2024 with a left wrist injury. The impact of the injury was such that Sakaria felt it would end his sporting career.
“When I got injured, I thought I would never come back,” Sakariya told the news agency. PTIHowever, the bowler has recently made a comeback and is taking small steps towards a full return to the game, “Now, I am feeling very good after playing this domestic season, feeling very good after bowling for Saurashtra,” the cricketer said,
“It was very challenging for me mentally. I didn’t believe I would be able to play cricket again. Some doctors told me I might not be able to catch the ball again,” he said.
Sakariya talks openly about the toughest phase of life and the support given by friends and family
However, the wrist injury was not the first time Sakariya’s career was affected. He had to deal with a big challenge in 2021, when he faced a major family tragedy. Both his father and brother died at around the same time.
Chetan Sakariya has revealed that this was the most difficult period of his life, and he was very young during that time; However, the events taught him about resilience. “So at that time, if I was not a cricketer, I don’t think I would have been able to come back to life. Now, I think if any difficult situation comes in my life again, I am ready for it. I know what I have to do,” he said.
Sakariya also claimed that he had great support from his friends and family during that time. They supported him and motivated him to play forward again, and so he began rehabilitation under the guidance of the Saurashtra Cricket Association.
Chetan Sakariya made special mention of KKR coaches for his rehabilitation and training
Despite not playing a single match in the 2024-25 domestic season, Chetan Sakariya got a place in the Kolkata Knight Riders camp as he was called up to replace the injured Umran Malik. He thanked former KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit for believing in him and assisting him in his rehabilitation and training at the KKR camp.
He further said that the presence of former India bowling coach Bharat Arun at the camp helped Chetan Sakariya improve his knowledge about the game.
“He helped me work on my rhythm and skills. He told me how to progress in modern cricket. After working with Bharat sir for two and a half months, I have significantly improved my knowledge of bowling,” he said.
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