If there is one source of inspiration that keeps Chetan Sakariya going, it is Usain Bolt’s autobiography Faster than Lightning. The sprinter from Jamaica started out poor in life, made giant strides and ended his career as the fastest man alive. Oh, and he also became a global icon. Chetan, 24, has lived through that first part, and is working on realising the rest.
In the book, Bolt writes about being consumed with a different level of energy when at the Olympics. “It had to do with that big, world-stage phenomenon. That is exactly how I feel, too,” the Delhi Capitals’ medium-fast bowler tells THE WEEK. “As if I was born for the world stage with the crowd cheering me on. It motivates me a lot. The moment I hit the ground, I become calmer and feel energy in a different way.”
Though both his IPL seasons were played under the spectre of the virus, which meant no full stadiums, Chetan always felt like the eyes of the world were on him. And though he only got three chances this season, he did dismiss a raging Jos Buttler cheaply. His 2/23 helped DC win that match. In the previous season, he took 14 wickets in as many matches for Rajasthan Royals.
Now out of the bio-bubble, he also wants to leave the cricket bubble. Bungee jumping in New Zealand is next on the agenda. “When you have the money, you start making a bucket list,” he says, his eyes bright. Chetan was a net bowler for Royal Challengers Bangalore before Rajasthan Royals signed him in 2021 for ₹1.2 crore. He went for ₹4.2 crore the next year.
WE WERE TAUGHT TO SAVE MONEY FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND WEDDINGS. NOT FOR TIME PASS LIKE CRICKET. I DID NOT EVEN HAVE GOOD SHOES, BUT NEVER GATHERED ENOUGH COURAGE TO ASK. —Chetan Sakariya
This story is from the June 12, 2022 edition of THE WEEK.
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This story is from the June 12, 2022 edition of THE WEEK.
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