Chetan Sakariya: From Struggling To Meet Cricket Expenses To IPL Stardom

Cricket Image for Chetan Sakariya: From Struggling To Meet Cricket Expenses To IPL Stardom (Image Source: Google)

Rajasthan Royals pace bowler Chetan Sakariya has overcome many hurdles in his life like working at his uncle's stationery shop while in school in lieu of money to cover his cricket expenses as his father couldn't afford equipment and coaching fees. Earlier this year, he and his family overcame the death of his younger brother, who had committed suicide. These have been harsh enough tests to endure early in life, especially for someone who just turned 23.

So it wasn't surprising to see him maintain composure and calmness while bowling a series of slower balls in the last over on Monday night against Punjab Kings bowling innings and deceiving the batsmen while conceding five runs and picking two wickets.

RR director of cricket operations Kumar Sangakkara was all praise for the left-arm youngster from Saurashtra.

"I think he (Chetan Sakariya) was just brilliant. His skill was on display. It was really wonderful to watch a bowler in such a high-scoring match always smiling, always in the game. He took an amazing catch at short fine leg. He managed to come back well with the new ball. He bowled at the death when everyone was taking punishment," Sangakkara said while speaking to the media after the match on Monday.

"It speaks a lot about his skill, his attitude. It is great to have him in the side. He is a simple guy. He has had his ups and downs in life. He is here to enjoy his cricket. Our job is to support that. It was really good to see the control that he had, the change-ups. He picked the moments to bowl them," added Sangakkara.

Sakariya was picked for Rs 1.2 crore in the IPL mini-auction on February 18 this year.

Coming from a village, 10 kilometers from Bhavnagar in Gujarat, life wasn't easy for him.

His maternal uncle took care of his expenses for education, cricket equipment, and training at the Sir Bhavsinhji Cricket Academy, a go-to place for budding cricketers in and around Bhavnagar, and from where the likes of Saurashtra players Sheldon Jackson, Harvik Desai, and Sandip Maniar have emerged.

In return, Sakariya had to help him in his business.

Sakariya's dad, who owned and drove a tempo, took care of the family with his meager income.

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