Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane heaped praise on spinner Varun Chakaravarthy after the team secured a convincing seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their IPL 2026 clash, registering their third consecutive victory.

Chakaravarthy played a decisive role with the ball, returning figures of 3/36 in his four overs, helping KKR restrict SRH to 165 after a blazing start. The hosts then chased down the target comfortably in 18.2 overs to continue their winning momentum.

Rahane lauds Varun’s turnaround

Speaking after the match, Rahane highlighted Chakaravarthy’s resilience and work ethic, especially after a challenging start to the season.

The KKR skipper noted that the spinner had struggled in the initial games but showed remarkable confidence to bounce back strongly. He credited Chakaravarthy for delivering in crucial phases and consistently taking up the responsibility of bowling tough overs.

Rahane emphasised that players with such determination and attitude are vital for the team, particularly in pressure situations. He also expressed confidence that the spinner would continue to perform at a high level in the matches ahead.

Bowlers script comeback after SRH’s fiery start

Opting to bat first, SRH got off to a flying start, led by Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. The duo attacked the KKR bowlers aggressively, powering the team to 71/1 in the powerplay.

Head was in destructive form, bringing up a rapid half-century off just 22 balls and eventually scoring 61 off 28 deliveries. At that stage, SRH looked set for a total in the range of 190–200.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically once Head was dismissed. KKR’s bowlers tightened their grip, picking up wickets at regular intervals and preventing SRH from building partnerships.

Spin attack leads the charge

Chakaravarthy’s spell proved to be the turning point, as he broke crucial partnerships and applied pressure in the middle overs. He was well supported by Sunil Narine and Kartik Tyagi, who picked up two wickets each.

Despite a fighting knock of 42 off 29 balls from Ishan Kishan, SRH failed to regain momentum and were eventually bowled out for 165 in 19 overs — a total that appeared below par given their explosive start.

Clinical chase seals the win

In response, KKR approached the chase with composure, pacing their innings well to avoid unnecessary risks. The batters capitalised on the manageable target and ensured there were no late hiccups.

The team reached the target in 18.2 overs, securing a comfortable victory and strengthening their position in the tournament.

Winning momentum builds for KKR

With three consecutive wins, KKR appear to be finding rhythm at a crucial stage of the competition. The team’s bowling unit, particularly the spinners, has emerged as a key strength.

Rahane acknowledged the collective effort, noting that small moments — such as timely wickets — played a significant role in turning the match in KKR’s favour.

SRH left to reassess

For SRH, the loss will raise concerns, particularly around their inability to capitalise on strong starts. While the top order showed promise, the middle-order collapse once again proved costly.

The team will need to address these issues quickly as the tournament progresses and competition for playoff spots intensifies.

Conclusion

KKR’s victory underlines the importance of adaptability and execution under pressure. Varun Chakaravarthy’s resurgence has added a new dimension to their bowling attack, making them a formidable side moving forward.

As the IPL 2026 season unfolds, performances like these could prove decisive in shaping the playoff race.