When was the last time Chetan Sakariya played an IPL game?

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are taking on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a key Indian Premier League (IPL) fixture at the Eden Gardens. It was PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer who won the toss and chose to bat first. The 30-year-old was the captain of KKR when they won the title last year. Both sides made two changes each from their last game; for KKR, it was Rovman Powell and Chetan Sakariya who were given their first game of the season. 

Punjab Kings included Glenn Maxwell and Amzatullah Omarzai in their playing XI. KKR come into the game on the back of their loss to Gujarat Titans by 39 runs. Punjab Kings last played against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at home and lost the game by seven wickets. The last meeting between the two sides produced a thriller as PBKS won the game by 16 runs despite being all out for 111. 

27-year-old left-arm seamer Chetan Sakariya is making his return to the IPL after nearly more than two years. Sakariya made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals in 2021 and soon got his international debut later that year. Sakariya has so far played one ODI and two T20I games for India. Saurashtra’s pacer has also played 19 IPL matches and picked 20 wickets. 

When did Chetan Sakariya last play an IPL games

Left-arm seamer Chetan Sakariya’s last IPL match came in 2023 when he was part of the playing XI for Delhi Capitals against Chennai Super Kings. In his four overs, Sakariya picked the wicket of Ruturaj Gaikwad for 79 and gave away 36 runs. It has been nearly two years since Sakariya has been part of the IPL. 

Umran Malik, who was originally picked by KKR in the IPL auction, was ruled out of the season due to injury. This meant that Sakariya was called up as the replacement for Malik and wasn’t given a chance to play so far this season. Kolkata needs to win the game to keep their playoff hopes alive. 

Speaking at the toss, PBKS Shreyas Iyer said, “Since we are playing on the same wicket they played on. Can see a few cracks; will get an idea of how it's playing. It's always been great to play in front of this crowd. Another day to come here and embrace. We have been getting brilliant starts”. 

Meanwhile, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane said, “It's all about playing good cricket; we need to chase down whatever the target is. Our bowlers have been bowling really well. They have improved a lot. The boys have been disappointed with the bat but need to be brave in this format. Our batting unit needs to do well in this game.”