IPL 2021 Auction: All you need to know about Chetan Sakariya

When Chetan Sakariya’s name came up in the IPL auction this year, he was glued to his phone while on the way from the training facility to the hotel on a bus journey. He was sold for a big price of 1.2 crore INR to Rajasthan Royals, and according to Chetan, he did not expect to get such a huge amount. All his teammates including senior-pro Sheldon Jackson are extremely happy for the left arm pacer after seeing him picked in the auction. Chetan’s journey has not been an easy one so far.

Chetan Sakariya is a Royal. ?

Note: There may have been some cost-cutting in our digital team after that Morris bid. ??#HallaBol | #RoyalsFamily | #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/sQsEtGF8lu

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 18, 2021

Came from a poor family background

Just 2 years ago, Sakariya’s father Kanjibhai was driving a tempo in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. They did not have a television set at home until 5 years ago. Being a fast bowler helped, as it meant his expenses were low. He did not have spike shoes during age-group cricket and would take help from seniors. He would even borrow a bat from the top order batsmen as he would come very late to bat.

Spent two years in MRF Pace Foundation

Sakariya was amongst the top pacers of the Saurashtra team back in 2017, and his senior teammates were impressed by his skills. However, he did not get a game in the first season. He was sent to MRF Pace Foundation to train under Glenn McGrath for two years, which resulted in a massive improvement in his maturity as a pacer.

Made domestic debut in 2018

Sakariya made his List-A debut in Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2018. The left-arm medium pacer subsequently played his debut first-class match in Ranji Trophy, 2018-19. He took 5 wickets in an innings in his Ranji Debut. On 21st February 2019, Chetan played his first T20 match in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Lost his brother just one month before the auction

When Sakariya was playing for his team in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Indore, his brother committed suicide back home. The news was not broken to him until he went home. It was a big setback for the young fast bowler.

Performed brilliantly in SMAT 2021

Chetan Sakariya was the most successful bowler for Saurashtra in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021. He picked up 12 wickets in 5 matches with best figures of 5/11 in an innings. He was called by Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians for trials before the auction and was eventually bought by the Rajasthan Franchise.