Did the KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane make a serious mistake by bowling Varun Chakravarthy in the first bowling powerplay itself in the team’s second consecutive loss in the Indian Premier League?
Former cricketer
Irfan Pathan has offered his humble two cents on what seems a questionable or dubious decision as seen recently.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has criticised Ajinkya Rahane for his tactical decisions during IPL 2026 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Pathan took particular issue with Rahane’s decision to introduce mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy during the powerplay — a move that backfired immediately.
Chakaravarthy conceded 25 runs in his very first over, putting KKR under early pressure. Although he showed resilience by coming back strongly in his second over, the leg-spinner was surprisingly not used again for the remainder of the innings.
“Leadership Comes Into Play” – Pathan
Pathan stressed that a captain’s role goes beyond field placements and bowling changes — it directly impacts a bowler’s confidence.
“Captain plays a big role in getting your confidence up as a bowler. If he doesn't support you in a moment where you think you can do better, this is where leadership comes in.”
He further criticised the decision to use Chakaravarthy in the powerplay, suggesting it exposed one of KKR’s key weapons too early under difficult conditions.
“This is why he should not have bowled in the powerplay. You are losing a bowler who can be your trump card. You are giving him the tough job.”
