Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Shane Watson has lauded mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy for continuing to take the field despite playing through pain after a hairline fracture in his left foot. Watson stressed that Chakravarthy’s determination has been central to KKR’s effort to keep their playoff chances alive in the IPL.
Quick facts
- Watson praised Varun Chakravarthy for playing through a “bit of pain” after a hairline fracture in his left foot.
- Chakravarthy picked up the injury while fielding in KKR’s away game vs Delhi Capitals on May 8.
- He missed the match vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 13; head coach Abhishek Nayar later confirmed the fracture.
- Despite not being fully fit, Chakravarthy returned for matches vs Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians.
- Watson spoke after KKR’s four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians on Wednesday.
- Chakravarthy took 10 wickets in four matches during the tournament’s business end, after a slow start earlier in the season.
- KKR have won six of their last seven matches and head into Sunday’s final fixture vs Delhi Capitals with slender playoff hopes.
- In the last two games, Chakravarthy appeared to be struggling, going wicketless across three straight matches while conceding 47 runs vs GT and 28 vs MI.
- BCCI has been aware of the injury, with secretary Devajit Saikia saying they can’t “interfere too much” while the IPL is ongoing.
- KKR also faced an injury scare: Angkrish Raghuvanshi suffered neck pain, dizziness, and a headache after colliding with Chakravarthy during a return catch attempt.
- KKR chased 148 successfully, winning by four wickets with seven balls to spare, with Manish Pandey scoring 45 off 33 and Rovman Powell 40 off 30.
Watson said Chakravarthy is “obviously” working through discomfort, adding that it reflects the bowler’s bravery and his hunger to contribute for KKR. He also pointed out that even while managing the pain, Chakravarthy’s execution has remained impressive.
The injury occurred during KKR’s trip to Delhi on May 8, when Chakravarthy was hurt while fielding. He then sat out the next league match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 13, a fracture that was subsequently confirmed by KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar.
Returned despite the fracture
With KKR needing victories in the remaining games following a loss to RCB, Chakravarthy came back for the subsequent fixtures against Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians. Watson acknowledged he is not fully sure of the exact state of the rehab process, but made it clear Chakravarthy is still bowling well while managing the issue.
Watson’s comments came after KKR beat Mumbai Indians by four wickets in their Wednesday encounter at Eden Gardens. He said the spinner had kept his rhythm and continued to deliver, despite the setback and the physical strain that comes with it.
Chakravarthy’s season started poorly after the T20 World Cup win in March, when he struggled to make an impact. He went wicketless and conceded 105 runs across his first three IPL matches, a slide that harmed KKR’s early momentum.
However, the picture changed sharply in the latter part of the tournament. Chakravarthy found his form at the right time, claiming 10 wickets across four matches and helping fuel KKR’s late resurgence.
Watson described the turnaround as “brilliant,” highlighting how Chakravarthy’s influence had become consistent game after game. He also underlined how fortunate KKR are to have both the skill and the desire that Chakravarthy brings to the squad.
After enduring a six-match stretch without a win, KKR have now collected victories in six of their last seven outings. That run has kept their playoff hopes alive ahead of Sunday’s last league match against Delhi Capitals.
Playing through pain, then a new scare
Even with the team benefiting from his returns, Chakravarthy looked visibly uncomfortable in the last two games. He hobbled while bowling against Gujarat Titans on May 16 and again during the Mumbai Indians game on Wednesday, showing that the injury is still affecting him.
In those recent appearances, he has not taken a wicket in his last three matches. He conceded 47 runs versus GT and 28 runs versus MI, as KKR tried to balance the need for his overs with the physical toll of continuing.
Watson reiterated that Chakravarthy’s choice to stay involved has been crucial. He said the spinner could have opted to step away due to the pain, but instead stayed “all in,” delivering a strong effort despite an unfortunate collision during the match.
Watson also explained that while there was an “unfortunate collision” with Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Chakravarthy still performed well and deserved credit for continuing to contribute. He finished by expressing gratitude for everything Chakravarthy has continued to do for KKR.
BCCI has taken note of Chakravarthy’s injury and the fact that he has kept playing despite it. Still, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that because the IPL is in progress, they cannot “interfere too much,” adding that the control would be stronger in an India-team context.
India are scheduled to play seven T20Is in Ireland and England during their UK tour that starts on June 26.
KKR’s Wednesday match also brought another injury concern, again involving Chakravarthy. During the 11th over, while attempting a return catch off Tilak Varma, the spinner collided with wicketkeeper-batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who had sprinted in from behind the stumps to complete the catch at the non-striker’s end.
Chakravarthy initially held onto the ball but then spilled it after impact. Raghuvanshi later walked off the field in the 14th over and did not return to bat.
Watson described what happened after the incident, saying Raghuvanshi had run a long way for the catch and that the collision with Chakravarthy left him with neck pain, plus dizziness and a headache within a couple of overs.
KKR chase at Eden Gardens
Under sticky conditions at Eden Gardens, batting proved difficult for both teams. KKR’s chase of 148 was not straightforward either, with wickets falling at regular intervals as they worked to stay on course.
Eventually, Manish Pandey—getting his first chance to bat this season and moving up to No. 3 in Raghuvanshi’s absence—helped shape the pursuit with a 33-ball 45. Rovman Powell then played a supporting role, striking 40 off 30 deliveries as KKR finished the job.
KKR won by four wickets with seven balls remaining, successfully defending their chase despite the steady wicket pressure. Watson was particularly impressed with Pandey’s innings and said the 36-year-old looked to be in his best form for years.
Watson said he had worked with Pandey previously at Delhi Capitals for a couple of seasons, and that over the course of the current season, he has seen the best batting he has witnessed from him in recent years. He also pointed to the batting positions Pandey is getting into, the freedom of his approach, and the practice matches and centre wickets that have contributed to his confidence.
Watson further highlighted Pandey’s wider value to the group, calling him “super experienced” and praising his energy both on and off the field. He added that players of that type are exactly what a squad needs, and he emphasized Pandey’s athleticism and fielding standards.
Watson noted that at Pandey’s age, he certainly wasn’t moving in the field as well as the veteran is now doing. He also referenced an earlier moment in the season, saying they saw the “incredible catch” Pandey took against RCB.
