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India's T20 World Cup 2026-winning mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy had many ups and downs during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Chakaravarthy braved injuries and chose to turn up for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) days after walking with the help of a brace and a stick. There were questions raised as to why there is a need to play in the IPL while he's injured. KKR team management came under the scanner, there were conversations with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team as the spinner is a centrally contracted player. While Chakaravarthy continued to limp and play for the three-time IPL champions, skipper Ajinkya Rahane clarified that he did not play a part in the conversations between KKR and physios of the NCA (Centre of Excellence). He said that the physios assured that his injuries won't increase.
"See, our team's physios and the physios of BCCI NCA and the Indian team, there was a discussion among them. I don't get involved in that at all. That's their department. My department is how's the player's mindset, does the player want to play or not, how big is the risk," Rahane said after KKR's 40-run defeat to Delhi Capitals (DC) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
"Yes, it's important to consider the health factor, to stay fit. Your injuries shouldn't increase. Yes, we think about that. But the physios felt that his injuries won't increase."
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In total, Chakaravarthy suffered three injuries during IPL 2026. Earlier this month, he had a broken left toe. Before that, he had two finger fractures. He endured issues with the left knee as well. At the back end of the tournament, he missed just one game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as he was in a lot of pain.
Rahane hails Chakaravarthy's attitude
Rahane revealed that Chakaravarthy was eager to play against RCB as well but the management chose against it. He gave credit to the 34-year-old for his dedication to the franchise.
"Varun was eager to play and he gets all the credit. Because in that injury, you show how important the team is for you. Varun was completely ready. Yes, there was a match [vs RCB] where we had to give him a break because he was in a lot of pain. But he thought that he can play. That communication came from him," Rahane said.
"When the player says that he can play, there's a positive message to the physios and the team that he wants to play. I want to give Varun all the credit. He showed his eagerness to play. And the injury risk management team, the physios felt that his injuries won't increase."
How much time Chakaravarthy has to recover before next series?
India's next T20I series is against Ireland which will begin on June 26. The spinner has a few weeks to recover before selectors name the T20I squad. After the two T20Is in Ireland, there is a five-T20I series against England which will be played from July 1 to 11. Later in July, India T20I team will fly to Zimbabwe for a three-T20I series between July 23 and 26.
Chakaravarthy’s performance in IPL 2026
KKR's third-highest wicket-taker in the season, Chakaravarthy played 11 games and picked up as many scalps at ana verage of 32.72. His economy rate was 8.78 runs per over.
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