The father of Rajasthan Royals (RR) pacer Chetan Sakariya died of COVID-19 on Sunday, the Indian Premier League franchise said. “It is with great sadness that we must inform you that Mr Kanjibhai Sakariya has lost his fight with Covid-19 earlier today. We’ve been in contact with Chetan and will offer him and his family all of our help through this tough period “RR sent out a tweet. Chetan Sakariya, a left-arm fast bowler who debuted in the Indian Premier League in 2021, lost his brother in January of this year.
Sakariya was competing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy when his brother died, but his family did not tell him of the tragedy until he returned home after the tournament.
On social media, condolences poured in for Sakariya and his fans, with commentator Harsha Bhogle and former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer among the first to express their condolences.
After India Women’s cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy lost her sister and mother to COVID-19, Sakariya is the second cricketer to lose a family member to the virus.
It pains us so much to confirm that Mr Kanjibhai Sakariya lost his battle with Covid-19 earlier today.
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 9, 2021
We're in touch with Chetan and will provide all possible support to him and his family in this difficult time.
Krishnamurthy’s sister died on Wednesday, and her mother died a month ago.
Sakariya made seven appearances for RR this season, taking seven wickets at an average of 8.22 runs per over.
Last week, the IPL 2021 season was delayed after multiple players and support personnel from various teams tested positive for COVID-19.
The virus had been detected in players from the Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and SunRisers Hyderabad, as well as staff members from the Chennai Super Kings.