Rajasthan Royals pacer Chetan Sakariya's father dies of COVID-19

Rajasthan Royals and Saurashtra pacer Chetan Sakariya's father has died due to the coronavirus on Sunday morning, according to a report. Chetan's father was undergoing treatment after he tested positive for COVID-19 last week and since the suspension of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has been doing round so the hospital in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.

Like many other domestic uncapped players without a central contract, IPL salary was the only source of livelihood for the Saurashtra pacer and after the tournament was suspended mid-season, it was a tough time for his family but he hoped that his father will be able to recover soon, however, he couldn't survive the deadly virus.

In an interview with the The Indian Express, a couple of days ago, Chetan had said, "I was lucky because I had received my part payment from Rajasthan Royals a few days ago. I straightaway transferred money back home, and that is helping my family the most in my toughest time."

Chetan mentioned that because of IPL his whole life was about to change as his father has driven tempo all his life. "People are saying stop IPL. I want to tell them something, I am the only bread earner in my family. Cricket is the only source of my earnings. I can give better treatment to my father because of the money I earned from IPL. Had this tournament not happened for a month, it would have been tougher for me."

Sakariya, who played for the Rajasthan Royals in the 14th edition of the IPL, played all the 7 games for his side and took as many wickets at an economy of 8.22.