In what has come as a massive blow to the Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 campaign, star spinner Varun Chakravarthy might not be available for the team’s clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on
Wednesday in Raipur.
Chakravarthy, an integral part of the Knight Riders’ bowling unit, is suspected to have worsened an injury to his left leg and remains doubtful for the team’s next game, according to a report in The Telegraph.
Clips shared on social media showed Chakravarthy using a crutch and sporting a protective boot on his left leg.
From the visuals that surfaced online, Chakravarthy, who suffered the injury while attempting to stop a shot from Ishan Kishan during the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad, could be sidelined for a period of time.
But with the Knight Riders still needing to win all their remaining games to stay in contention for a playoff spot, the team is expected to make a last-ditch attempt to bring Chakravarthy back for the business end of the league stage.
“Varun was at our practice (in Raipur) today (Monday), but we will come to know tomorrow (Tuesday) if he could be available for the RCB clash,” a KKR source said while speaking to The Telegraph.
Chakravarthy and his experienced spin partner Sunil Narine have played a major role in the Knight Riders’ revival this IPL after the team went winless in their first six games.
But with conditions in Raipur expected to favour the pacers, something evident during Sunday’s clash between RCB and the Mumbai Indians, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Knights opt for an additional pacer in place of Chakravarthy on Wednesday.
Kolkata Knight Riders are still placed eighth on the table with nine points from 10 games and another slip-up in Raipur would leave them staring at an early exit from the playoff race.
