Ajinkya Rahane on Varun Chakaravarthy (Source: AP & AFP)
On Sunday, Kolkata Knight Riders’ hope to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs was shattered, hours before they even played their final match of the season. The Ajinkya Rahane-led KKR were officially out of the tournament after Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated Mumbai Indians.
After the heartbreaking end to their IPL 2026 campaign, Ajinkya Rahane defended the management’s decision to play Varun Chakaravarthy, one of the the vital cogs that led their playoff hopes.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s resilience despite injuries
For the unversed, the Indian mystery spinner, Varun Chakaravarthy, braved several injuries to keep playing for his IPL franchise, KKR, in the ongoing IPL 2026. Chakaravarthy showed immense commitment towards the franchise.
Notably, head coach Abhishek Nayar, along with assistant coach Shane Watson, hailed Chakaravarthy’s resilience in playing through injuries, as KKR found renewed hope for their IPL 2026 campaign after a lacklustre start.
Rahane reveals why KKR kept playing Varun despite multiple injuries
On Sunday, after KKR’s final league match, captain Ajinkya Rahane revealed that Chakaravarthy was kept in the team playing 11 despite a fractured foot, only after the medical staff had given him the required clearance. The 37-year-old added that the spinner was also very committed to keep going.
Also read: Ajinkya Rahane Warned To Leave KKR Captaincy, Or Else...
“See, our team's physios and the physios of BCCI, NCA and the Indian team, there was a discussion among them. I don't get involved in that at all. That's their department. My department is how's the player's mindset, does the player want to play or not, how big is the risk."
“Yes, it's important to consider the health factor, to stay fit. Your injuries shouldn't increase. Yes, we think about that. But the physios felt that his injuries won't increase," Rahane said.
Chakaravarthy’s injury were closely monitored by KKR & BCCI
In mid-May, reports emerged that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) scrutinised KKR, using their mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy for his full quota of 4 overs despite a left toe hairline fracture.
The spinner had suffered the injury against Delhi Capitals on May 8, where he had to limp off the field, and was also forced to sit out KKR’s next crucial fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
However, it was later confirmed that KKR spinner’s injury management was closely monitored by the franchise’s medical staff in coordination with the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and the Indian team physios.
“I know for a fact that KKR physio is in touch with Team India physio [Kamlesh Jain]. There has been a communication from KKR to BCCI that in a previous match, Varun injured his left foot while saving a boundary."
"It is understood that he has a hairline fracture. I believe as a centrally contracted player of the BCCI, his fitness is paramount and the BCCI medical team could intervene. Jain might be asked as to what was the input from the KKR medical team," a BCCI official told PTI.
How did Varun Chakaravarthy’s IPL 2026 fare?
After returning from a very disappointing 2026 T20 World Cup with India, the spinner endured a poor start to his IPL 2026 campaign, conceding 79 runs from his first two matches without taking a wicket.
On top of that, his struggles worsened when he suffered fractures to two fingers on his non-bowling left hand, forcing him out of action.
Nonetheless, the 34-year-old found his mojo back after just 12 days against Chennai Super Kings and has since played a major role in KKR's late resurgence, helping the side win six of their last seven matches to stay alive in the playoff race.
Regardless of where they finish, KKR’s late-season resurgence has been one of the stories of IPL 2026. Written off after failing to win any of their first six matches, the side showed remarkable resilience to drag themselves back into playoff contention.
Also read: Why Is There No IPL 2026 Match Today? Reason Revealed
