The Kolkata Knight Riders have replaced injured Umran Malik, who has missed IPL 2025, with left-arm seamer Chetan Sakariya.
Since playing just one game for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024, Malik, 25, has not participated in a competitive match. Sakariya, who was last seen playing competitively in a Ranji Trophy match for Saurashtra in February 2024, is currently recovering from an injury.
Since making his debut in 2021 as a pure speedster capable of reaching 150 kph, Malik has struggled with illnesses and injuries. After contracting dengue, he was eventually pulled from the Duleep Trophy, which was scheduled to begin the 2024–25 domestic season. He then sustained a hip fracture.
Malik has taken 11 wickets at an economy rate of 10.48 in his eight T20I appearances to date. Sakariya has participated in two Twenty20 Internationals and claimed one wicket at an economy rate of 9.27.
KKR's first-choice left-arm fast bowler, Spencer Johnson, may be replaced by Sakariya. KKR currently has a comparable Indian option for Anrich Nortje, who is also prone to injuries, as a result of Malik's injury-forced absence.
After defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024 final, KKR is the reigning champion.