Kolkata: Ajinkya Rahane has expressed strong confidence in Varun Chakravarthy’s ability to return to form in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season, despite the spinner’s mixed performances in the recent T20 World Cup.
Rahane backs Varun despite tough phase
Speaking ahead of the new IPL season, the Kolkata Knight Riders captain said there was nothing fundamentally wrong with Varun’s bowling, attributing his struggles to the natural ups and downs of a long T20 career.
Varun endured a difficult second half in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he conceded runs heavily, including a costly spell of 64 runs in the semi-final against England. Although he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets alongside Jasprit Bumrah, his economy rate of 9.25 raised concerns.
Rahane, however, emphasised that such phases are common in cricket.
Role and match situations highlighted
Rahane pointed out that Varun often bowls during the most challenging phases of the game, including the Powerplay and middle overs when set batters are at the crease.
“He’s always bowling the tough overs for the team. He comes in when two batters are set and tries to pick wickets,” Rahane explained, adding that such roles can impact a bowler’s economy rate.
He also noted that opposition batters performed well against Varun, suggesting that credit should be given to them rather than placing undue blame on the spinner.
Break after World Cup seen as beneficial
The KKR skipper said the break following the World Cup came at the right time for Varun, allowing him to reset mentally and physically.
According to Rahane, the 10-day break would help the spinner regain rhythm and confidence ahead of the IPL season, which is known for its high intensity and competitive nature.
Team not worried about performance dip
Reiterating the team’s faith, Rahane made it clear that KKR management and players are not concerned about Varun’s recent dip in form.
“We are not really worried,” he said, stressing that the team would not place extra pressure on the spinner, who has been a consistent performer over the years.
Varun is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in KKR’s history, with 99 wickets, and has played a crucial role in the team’s success, including their IPL 2024 title win.
Strong spin partnership
Varun has formed a formidable spin duo with Sunil Narine, a partnership that has been central to KKR’s bowling strategy.
Rahane highlighted the importance of such combinations and the depth in the squad, noting that if one player has an off day, others are capable of stepping up.
IPL 2026 campaign begins soon
KKR are set to begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29. The team will be looking to build on past successes and maintain consistency throughout the tournament.
The upcoming season will also be an opportunity for Varun to reaffirm his status as one of the premier T20 spinners in the league.
Conclusion
With strong backing from captain Ajinkya Rahane and the team management, Varun Chakravarthy heads into IPL 2026 with confidence and support. As KKR gear up for the new season, the focus remains on collective performance and giving players the space to rediscover their best form.