“I thought I would never come back” - Chetan Sakariya opens up on his domestic return

Chetan Sakariya was regarded as one of the upcoming generation of Indian fast bowlers almost three years ago. However, an injury prevented him from moving on, and a protracted healing process caused him to fall in the rankings. Sakariya believed his playing career would come to an end due to the severity of the injury.

His career-threatening left wrist injury in February 2024 necessitated surgery and prevented him from playing for a considerable amount of time. After playing for Saurashtra in the current domestic season for the first time in almost two years, he has begun making incremental progress towards his comeback.

The main problems a sportsman faces are injuries. A blow to a bowling arm can virtually end a cricket player's career, particularly for bowlers. Early in his career, Saurashtra-born Indian left-arm bowling sensation Chetan Sakariya also experienced this.

But last season, he made a comeback and played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. This season, he mustered the guts to play domestic Indian cricket with the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

“When I got injured, I thought I would never come back. Now, I am feeling very good after playing in this domestic season, feel so good after bowling for Saurashtra,” he said after Saurashtra’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Andhra. 

His left wrist injury earlier in 2024 put him through months of recuperation and tested his physical and emotional limits. The 27-year-old gave credit to the Saurashtra Cricket Association, his friends, and family for helping him regain confidence while he was recovering.

“Gradually, my family and friends supported me… believe in myself. So, I started working again,” he said, noting how local tournaments helped him regain match sharpness. “I think it was the biggest thing for me in 2025,” Sakariya said, praising the trust shown by the KKR management and the guidance of Bharat Arun. 

Sakariya acknowledges that he still needs to develop his technical skills, but he is committed to realistic goals. "I want to play in the IPL, but for now, I have small goals." That's how things have always been. He ended by saying, "I have set small goals in my life," indicating a methodical and patient approach to reviving his profession.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!