Young India seamer Chetan Sakariya has recently shared an interesting story of meeting the legendary Rahul Dravid for the first time during the limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in July 2021.
The 23-year-old had a meteoric rise in the past six months as the left-arm pacer first impressed everyone in the first half of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) after being picked up by Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Auction for INR 1.2 crores and then went on to represent India in Sri Lanka.
Recently, the Gujarat-born cricketer recalled his first interaction with Dravid on the Sri Lanka tour, where he made his T20I and ODI debut for India. The seamer played one ODI and two T20Is against Sri Lanka and managed an equal number of wickets in 3 games.
Sharing the fascinating anecdote, Sakariya recalled how he got the shock of his life when Dravid – The Wall of Indian cricket walked up to him and introduced himself in his signature humble style by saying “Hi, I'm Rahul” after they completed a two-week quarantine.
Sakariya said in a release shared by RR: “After having completed a two-week quarantine in Sri Lanka, we had a get-together and everyone was either working out or stretching outdoors, and I was taking a rest near the poolside when Rahul sir came up to me and said, 'Hi Chetan, Rahul here.'”
The youngster continued, “I was shocked and startled at first because I couldn`t believe that it was really him, but I stood up and said `hi` to him. I introduced myself and he asked me about my family background, playing experience, etc. He also asked about cricket in Saurashtra and how we`ve been doing well in the last five years, and complimented me for my bowling, and said he had followed my journey during the IPL, and that he liked how I bowled with the new and the old ball. So, it felt amazing that a legend like him knew who I was and was following my performances.”
On his maiden IPL stint with the RR, the bowler said: “When I was picked up by Rajasthan Royals, the only thing running in my mind was that they have shown so much faith in me, I wanted to make sure that I was performing well and helping the team win. I think I did a decent job whenever I was given the responsibility. Then to make it to the Indian team, it has been a dream come true.”
He added, “When I first heard of it, there were a lot of thoughts in my head, but I was unable to believe it. I pinched myself because I was wondering if it was even true. I didn’t think of it in a way that I would get to play or not, just being a part of that dressing room was a huge moment for me.”
As the IPL 2021 is set to resume in the UAE from September 19, Sakariya is looking forward to giving his best and enjoy his time on the field in the tournament.
He signed off by saying, “I always think of the worst outcome, and then I tell myself that I need to focus on what is under my control, and that is to bowl a good ball. More often than not, it has helped me in my career. I try to enjoy my game as much as I can, and that is where the smile also comes from.”
(With ANI/PTI Inputs)
