Chetan Sakariya, once a promising name in Indian cricket's pace bowling contingent, has made a return to domestic cricket, marking a significant step in his journey to regain prominence. After a challenging period marked by injury and personal loss, the 27-year-old is representing Saurashtra in the ongoing domestic season, his first appearance since February 2024.
Sakariya's career faced a sudden halt when he suffered a wrist injury in early 2024, an event that he recalls as a mentally draining phase. "When I got injured, I thought I would never come back," Sakariya revealed in an interview with PTI after Saurashtra's Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Andhra. He expressed the mental fortitude required during his rehabilitation, acknowledging the doubts that crept in about his ability to play cricket again. According to Sakariya, some doctors even suggested he might not be able to grip the ball again, which made the time especially difficult as he struggled to believe in himself.
Sakariya is no stranger to adversity, having endured the loss of his father and younger brother in 2021. Reflecting on those experiences, he believes that those difficult times taught him valuable lessons in coping with setbacks, both in life and in his career. "This situation that I faced in my life was unexpected," Sakariya stated, highlighting the sudden void created by the loss of his family's support system. He credits cricket with providing him a path back from those tragedies, giving him purpose and resilience.
Meanwhile, several other prominent Indian cricketers are also returning to domestic cricket, adding star power to tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja are participating in these domestic competitions. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has emphasized the importance of domestic participation for centrally contracted players, ensuring they remain match-fit and provide a boost to the domestic game.
Kohli, for instance, marked his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy with a century against Andhra Pradesh, demonstrating his enduring form and guiding Delhi to a win. Rohit Sharma also celebrated his domestic return with an unbeaten 155 for Mumbai. These performances underscore the players' commitment to domestic cricket and their ambition to contribute to India's ODI aspirations, including the 2027 World Cup.
The return of these star players not only enhances the quality of domestic tournaments but also provides valuable opportunities for emerging talents to learn from their experiences. The presence of international pros significantly boosts the morale and learning environment for the entire squad. As Chetan Sakariya continues his comeback journey, his story serves as an inspiration, illustrating the power of perseverance and the unwavering spirit of a cricketer determined to overcome adversity.
