This story is all about from NOTHING TO SOMETHING.
In the year 1998, at Vartej, Gujarat, a left arm pacer Chetan Sakariya was borned.
He dreamed of playing the Wonderful game of cricket, but his journey to playing cricket is very painful.
HIS FAMILY CONDITIONS-
Chetan's father Kanjibhai was a tempo driver. He used to transport goods in a tempo traveller to make ends meet for a family of five. He wanted Sakariya to focus on his studies so that he could get a government job. Chetan had to lie at home in order to play cricket. His father used to say that Cricket is a rich people's game.
Chetan used to work at his uncle's shop as his family conditions were very poor. Chetan's uncle helped him in continuing playing cricket, his tution fees were also paid by his uncle.
When chetan was playing district tournament for his school, coach Rajendra Gohil spotted him and asked chetan to join his academy. Chetan told him about his financial problems but the coach told him to focus on his game not on fees.
Chetan loses his pace when he gets injured at the age of 17 years. He could not play cricket for a period of 7-8 months, due to injury.
ROLE OF MRF PACE FOUNDATION-
Chetan was selected for SAURASHTRA Under 19 side for Cooch Behar Trophy where he picked 18 wickets. Impressed by his performance, Saurashtra Cricket Association sent him to the MRF Pace Foundation Academy.
Before joining the academy, he didn't have his own spikes (shoes). He used to borrow from other teammates for bowling.
Sakariya gets his first pair of shoes from SHELDON JACKSON when he bowled Jackson in the nets.
At MRF PACE FOUNDATION ACADEMY, he also impressed Australian legend Glenn McGarth with his pace and action.
PLAYING DOMESTIC CRICKET-
He was selected for domestic season 2018-19 for Saurashtra. He didn't get to play in the Syed Mushtaq Trophy.He played one match in Vijay Hazare Trophy but a big break came in Ranji Trophy.
He picked 29 wickets in 8 matches including a five-fer on debut in Ranji Trophy.
In the next 2019-20 season, he missed Vijay Hazare Trophy due to injury. Though he got to play in Syed Mushtaq, he was quite rusty and couldn't find his rhythm.
In the Ranji Trophy also he couldn't find his rhythm but he helped Saurashtra in winning the Ranji Trophy Finals for the first time. He also played a crucial role in Semi-Finals and Finals.
THE INSIDE STORY-
The financial conditions of his family didn't improve. Chetan and his younger brother were burdened with requirements of the family as his father was not in a state of working.
Chetan's younger brother felt so much pressure that he committed suicide in January 2021 when Chetan was playing in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His family didn't tell him about his brother's death for 10 days so that he could focus on matches. After knowing about his brother's demise,Chetan didn't speak to his family for 7 days. Chetan was very close to his brother. Therefore, his demise was a huge blow to Chetan.
IPL:THE TURNING POINT-
Chetan Sakariya was picked up for 1.2 crore by Rajasthan Royals in Auction.
Only a month has passed after his brother's death, Chetan's hardwork has finally paid off.
Rajasthan Royals also gifted him Jersey with his late brother's name on back as a tribute.
He impressed everyone with his performance in the IPL before it was postponed.
BUT THE STRUGGLE IS NOT OVER FOR SAKARIYA AND HIS FAMILY.
Recently, Sakariya has lost his father due to covid-19.
HIS BROTHER COULD NOT SEE HIM PLAYING IPL.
HIS FATHER WILL NOT SEE HIM PLAYING IN NATIONAL COLOURS.😢😢
THIS IS THE STORY OF 'CHETAN SAKARIYA.'
