Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Varun Chakravarthy, named Player of the Match in KKR’s Indian Premier League 2026 encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad, said the opening phase of the tournament usually plays to the bat and becomes more spinner-friendly later on. After the win, he also spoke about how he tried to disrupt Travis Head’s aggressive approach, while pointing to improving team cohesion as the franchise looks to build momentum.
Varun Chakravarthy on IPL pitch behaviour
Chakravarthy explained that early in the IPL, conditions often resemble “flat” wickets, which can limit the impact spinners are able to create. He suggested this is a shared problem rather than something unique to one bowler or one team.
- He believes the first part of the season typically offers little help to spin, making it hard for spinners to get into the contest.
- Chakravarthy said this pattern shows up for every spinner in the league.
- As the tournament progresses, he feels spinners generally become more involved as the surfaces change.
Targeting Travis Head’s batting rhythm
Turning to SRH’s batting, Chakravarthy pointed out that Travis Head was attacking and reaching his scoring areas with ease. He said his own mindset was to break the flow of Head’s batting and prevent him from settling.
- He noted that Head was batting aggressively and extending his reach effectively.
- Chakravarthy said his focus was on disrupting Head’s rhythm and influence at the crease.
KKR momentum and match impact
Chakravarthy also expressed confidence that KKR are finding better harmony across departments. He said both the bowling and batting units are coming together well, and if the team sustains that momentum, they can create a strong impact as the tournament continues.
- He felt the bowling group is gelling alongside the batting group.
- He added that maintaining the current momentum could help KKR make a serious dent in the tournament.
On the field, Chakravarthy’s spell proved decisive, with a sensational three-wicket haul. Angkrish Raghuvanshi contributed with a well-constructed innings as KKR chased down the target to register their third victory of the campaign, winning by seven wickets.
Season context and standings
Before this turnaround, KKR’s season narrative had included inconsistency. Chakravarthy entered the tournament following a mixed return from the T20 World Cup, where he saw spinners’ performances drop after the group stage. In IPL action, he was wicketless in his first three matches, but then found his rhythm again, taking 10 wickets over his next four appearances.
- After the T20 World Cup, spinners’ influence fell after the group stage.
- In his first three IPL matches, Chakravarthy finished without wickets.
- In the following four matches, he took 10 wickets.
With the win, KKR moved into eighth place, having collected seven points from five defeats and a no result alongside their three wins. SRH sit fourth in the table, with 12 points from six wins and four losses.
- KKR: eighth spot with seven points (three wins, five losses, and one no result).
- SRH: fourth spot with 12 points (six wins and four losses).
Chakravarthy’s post-match words
Speaking after the game, Chakravarthy said his view is something he has observed every year: early IPL matches often feature flat wickets that are tough for spinners to handle, but as the competition goes on, spinners tend to come into play. He also referenced how he tried to limit Head’s comfortable extension of hands and pointed to the team’s growing unity as a key reason they can keep pushing forward.
“I’ve been saying this every year. Initially, when IPL starts, the first four matches will be flat wickets. It’s very tough for spinners to come into the game—happened for every spinner. As the tournament goes on, spinners come into the game. He was extending his hands very well (talking about Head), I didn’t want him to do that. The guys are coming together, the batting group is coming together. We can make a serious dent in the IPL if we keep going,” Chakravarthy said after the match.
