Before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have picked left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya to fill in for the injured Umran Malik. Known for his quick speed, Umran was picked by KKR for ₹75 lakhs following a three-year term with Sunrisers Hyderabad, but he has been sidelined owing to an injury.
With 19 IPL games and 20 wickets scored, Sakariya has represented India in an ODI and two T20Is.
KKR goes through important squad and leadership changes
Ahead of the season, the Kolkata-based franchise has overhauled its roster and management. Shreyas Iyer, who was later named captain, was released before the mega auction and then bought by Punjab Kings.
KKR has handed Ajinkya Rahane the captaincy together with Venkatesh Iyer as vice-captain in his place. Finishing the competition’s top run-getter with 469 runs in nine games, Rahane had recently captained Mumbai to triumph in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
With Pooja at Eden Gardens, KKR Begins IPL 2025 Arrangements.
Starting with a formal pooja at the Eden Gardens ground, the defending champions kicked off their pre-season training camp in Kolkata. Seeking blessings for a fruitful season, captain Ajinkya Rahane and pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee carried out the rites.
KKR Set starting title protection against RCB.
KKR seems well-prepared to defend their championship, thanks to solid home support at Eden Gardens, experienced leadership, and a well-balanced team. Moreover, they will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22.
