Left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya has become a household name after his stellar showing in the first half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.
Featuring in his maiden IPL season, Sakariya claimed 7 wickets in as many matches for Rajasthan Royals before the tournament was indefinitely postponed due to rising COVID-19 cases in bio-bubbles.
Sakariya, who was bought for INR 1.20 crore at the auction, returned with the figures of 3/31 on his IPL debut against Punjab Kings, which included the wickets of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. He also took the prized scalp of legendary MS Dhoni while playing against Chennai Super Kings.
Thanks to his IPL exploits, the 23-year-old fast bowler, who plays for Saurashtra in domestic cricket, received his maiden India call-up for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in July.
Along with the Indian contingent, Sakariya is currently serving quarantine in Mumbai before departing for Sri Lanka to play three ODIs and T20Is each under the coaching of the great Rahul Dravid.
In an exclusive interaction with Ms. Ishan Yadav Mahal, Digital Head of Circle of Cricket, Chetan Sakariya opened up on his IPL 2021 performances, his ambitions for the Sri Lanka tour, excitement of playing under Dravid’s mentorship, among other things.
Here’s the excerpt of the interview:
Q: You bowled to and dismissed some of the best batsmen during first half of IPL 2021. Which wickets do you cherish the most?
A: “In IPL 2021, my most favourite wicket is of Mahi bhai [MS Dhoni] because death overs were going at that time and Mahi bhai was trying to accelerate. I got his wicket in that phase which made me ecstatic and I straightaway hugged Jos Buttler. It was unexpected as I feel a little shy while expressing but at that time I suddenly ran towards Buttler and hug him.”
Q: Were you expecting to be called up to Team India so soon after the IPL success. Have you set any goals for the tour of Sri Lanka?
A: “Actually, I had no idea that I will be picked in the team. But yes, I was expecting to at least travel with the team as a net bowler after my first half of IPL went well.”
Q: Tell us something about your interactions with the legendary Kumar Sangakkara in the RR dressing room?
A: “We call him ‘Sanga Sir’ affectionately. When he joined the team as Director of Cricket, he clearly told that he will talk to everyone openly, will give space, will provide an opportunity to put forward points and it is something that I liked. Whenever there was a meeting, he used to ask for our ideas. During the formation of plan in the team meeting, he used to enquire us about our strengths, batsmen’s weaknesses and what will be your tactics accordingly. Initially, he used to listen to us, our plans and was also curious to know our mindset. If he felt that our mindset was not up to the mark, it was only then he offered suggestions else let us play freely and I liked this quality about him. He is so nice off the field as well, gels with everyone and have fun.”
Q: “Do you think pace is important at the highest level, if so, are you looking to change something to add more pace?”
A: “Yes, I do feel that pace is needed to play higher-level cricket. At least, it should be around 135-140 and I am working on my fitness so that I can add 5-7 km to my pace. Batsmen get less time to react because of speed and they also find it tougher to tackle movement with this pace and the chances of taking wickets increase as well. So yes, I am looking to add pace to my bowling.”
Q: Rahul Dravid will coach Team India on the Sri Lanka tour. Are you excited to work with the 'Wall'?
A: “I have been hearing Rahul Sir’s name since my childhood. As a person, I like him a lot and as a cricketer, he has proved himself to everyone in his life. Yes, I am pretty excited to work along with him. His determination and patience are admirable and I would definitely like to learn about developing patience from him.”
