Chetan Sakariya reveals how Ponting, Watson motivated him following his snub from playing XI

Chetan Sakariya didn't have much to offer in the Indian Premier League 2022. Following a stint with Rajasthan Royals last year, Sakariya plied his trade for Delhi Capitals in 2022. Unfortunately, it was a below-average season for the 24-year-old as he warmed the bench for most of the matches.

Sakariya took the field in three games and scalped three wickets at an economy rate of 7.64 and an average of 28.00. Sitting out was disheartening for the young rookie as he had a phenomenal experience with the Royals last season. 

"When Delhi Capitals bought me, I did think that I would get to play all the games. I wasn't demotivated when I didn't play, but my confidence level dropped a bit, and there was self-doubt. But there was a change in my mental toughness. I went into a shell in the initial 10-12 days of the IPL," the India seamer said during an interaction with Sportskeeda.

Sakariya's two and a half months stay with DC didn't go in vain as he rubbed shoulders with the legends of the game, including Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson. 

The left-arm bowler revealed that both Ponting and Watson had a personal chat with up and tried to lift his spirits throughout the season. 

"Ricky sir also knew this thing (about him feeling low). He always used to come and talk and used to tell that there needs to be frustration; only then you are a true player. So this is what motivates you to do better when an opportunity comes.

"Shane Watson sir realized that I was feeling low, and although I was focusing on practice, something was off. So sir called me in his room and spoke at length about many things. That made me feel a lot better," the 24-year-old added. 

Elaborating on the golden advice he received from Watson, Sakariya mentioned that the veteran told him to work on body language. 

The 24-year-old further cited that the former Australian all-rounder helped the seamer develop his personality as he taught him how to intimidate the batter. 

"He also told me about how I should approach the practise sessions to get the best out of them. He asked what type of bowling I wanted to do. I replied by saying that I always want to be aggressive and want to look into the eyes of the batter. So we started working on my body language and aggressive bowling in the nets, and I felt better," Sakariya concluded.