NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Varun Chakravarthy said on Sunday that he is still dealing with “two fractures” in his left hand, even as he played a major role in KKR’s opening success of IPL 2026. The mystery bowler, who helped the franchise claim its first win of the season against Lucknow Super Giants earlier on Sunday, acknowledged that the triumph carries extra sweetness despite coming from just one result. “I think we all deserved this win, even though it’s just one win, it feels very sweet. In the first few matches (of the season) I was injured, I had two fractures. I still have two fractures in my left hand. So I’m just trying to manage that,” Chakravarthy said.
He also recalled that he had missed two games for KKR after suffering a finger injury. With the match conditions under discussion, Chakravarthy suggested the surface had slowed down a touch, but maintained that it played into KKR’s strengths. “I would say it (pitch) was a little slow, but it was perfectly suitable for us and we made the most of it. And I think we could have batted a little better in the middle, but all well,” he added. Chakravarthy, meanwhile, underlined KKR’s intent as the tournament progresses, insisting the team is not looking to simply take part. “Yeah, we don’t know where we’ll end up, but we are just making a statement that we are not pushovers. We are just not coming here to participate. We are here to win every match. We are here to make a strong contention for the trophy. We still have hopes and I think we are gonna do well from this,” he said.
Chakravarthy’s own spell proved decisive as he returned to his best form, finishing with figures of 3/14. His control and variations brought the kind of returns KKR rely on at Eden Gardens, especially through the spin partnership he formed with veteran Sunil Narine, who contributed 2/26. Together, they helped KKR rediscover their spin magic and keep Rajasthan Royals to an under-par total of 155/9. At the death, rookie pacer Kartik Tyagi added further momentum with a wicket-taking effort of 3/22, ensuring RR were squeezed at the most crucial stage.
For his impact with the ball, Chakravarthy was named Player of the Match for the outing. In the chase, KKR vice-captain Rinku Singh anchored the run chase with composure, remaining unbeaten on 53. His steady approach helped Kolkata weather tense moments and close the game in style, as KKR registered their first win of IPL 2026 with a four-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals.
