KKR coach reacts to Varun Chakaravarthy injury controversy, says 'I think most cricketers are...'

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face Delhi Capitals (DC) in their upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash on Sunday, May 23 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. It will be a key clash for the Kolkata-based franchise, to stay alive in the race to playoffs.

Abhishek Nayar opens up on Varun Chakaravarthy's injury

Ahead of the key clash, KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar has opened up on the controversial injury concerns of star spinner Varun Chakaravarthy. The mystery spinner played some games with an injury. At the pre-match press conference, Nayar praised Varun for playing despite not being fully fit.

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“I just feel that when a player actually commits to playing when he is sometimes not at 100%, which I think most cricketers aren’t," said Nayar

“If you ask most cricketers, there will be an injury here and there. But for him to go through that and start the season on a topsy-turvy curve, come back into form, have injuries. He’s broken quite a few limbs in this tournament already. Before that, 2 fingers, and now his toe. But I think I always say the toughest characters learn to go past pain and adversity, and that’s what Varun Chakravarty is," concluded Abhishek,

The star India spinner suffered a hairline fracture in his foot after being hit by a ball against Delhi Capitals. As an outcome, KKR rested him in the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, KKR suffered a defeat against RCB, Chakaravarthy came back to the lineup and helped the side to claim two straight wins.

How has Varun Chakaravarthy fared in IPL 2026?

In the ongoing season, Varun Chakaravarthy has managed to clinch 10 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 8.78 with a bowling average of 32.50. The mystery spinner registered his best bowling figures of 3/14 in a league game against Rajasthan Royals (RR).