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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 14 missed the services of their in-form mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This was the fourth game Varun missed in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. After the six-wicket loss to RCB in Raipur, KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar revealed that the star spinner has suffered a fracture. He did not say whether it is a hairline fracture or the kind that could lead to Varun missing the remainder of the IPL 2026.
"The Varun Chakaravarthy part, we have done really well with the Sunny (Narine) and Varun combo, it is unfortunate that we have missed him a lot this season, it is the second time around where he has got a fracture, which is unfortunate for him, but you will always miss a Varun Chakaravarthy, we know the quality of Sunny and Varun bowling together, so it's hard to replace a Varun," he said in the post-match press conference.
Earlier, when Varun was made to bowl despite him limping against Delhi Capitals (DC), skipper Ajinkya Rahane had said that the spinner will be fine before the next game. Later, he was seen with a brace, walking with the help of a stick. On the eve of the game, assistant coach Shane Watson hoped that the 34-year-old recovers but he didn’t. It led to tall left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey getting his debut cap. Rahane said at the toss that it was a niggle but Nayar clarified that it is a fracture.
Narine deliveries but Roy fails vs RCB
In the absence of Varun, Sunil Narine conceded 31 runs from four overs, claiming the wicket of skipper Rajat Patidar. However, the other spinner in the side, left-arm spinner Anukul Roy struggled. From three overs, he conceded 36 runs. In the previous game against DC, Roy had taken two wickets for 31 runs in his quota of four overs.
KKR still alive in playoffs race
With Virat Kohli scoring an unbeaten 105, KKR lost the match by six wickets with five balls remaining in the match. But, despite their sixth defeat of the season, they are not out of the playoffs race. Currently, they are placed eighth on the points table. Now, they need to win their remaining three matches to accumulate 15 points and stay in contention for a playoffs spot. on May 16. It is unlikely that Varun plays in KKR's home game on the weekend.
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