KKR Receive Mixed Update On Varun Chakaravarthy, Matheesha Pathirana Ahead Of MI Clash

KKR get new injury updates [Source: AP Photos]

KKR, three-time champions, finds itself at a crucial juncture as they compete for a playoff spot in the IPL 2026 season with an outside chance. Moreover, ahead of a crucial game against MI, they received fresh updates on injured stars Varun Chakaravarthy and Matheesha Pathirana.

Kolkata have two games left against the Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. They have to win both while also hoping that teams above them drop points to stand a chance at making it to the top four.

Varun Chakaravarthy fit for KKR amid injury chaos

Meanwhile, ahead of the must-win encounter against the Mumbai Indians, KKR received a big boost as star spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is reportedly fit for the game. 

According to Cricbuzz, Chakaravarthy turned up for the practice session on Tuesday, which is a clear hint that he is feeling better. For context, Varun apparently has a hairline fracture in his left foot's toe.

But he chose to compete against the Gujarat Titans last weekend since the stakes were high for KKR. However, according to reports, this move didn’t sit well with the BCCI.

Apparently, the board was miffed with KKR for risking Varun Chakaravarthy, who is a centrally contracted player. His fitness should have been a priority for the franchise, but instead, they used him in a compromised state.

Notably, KKR is yet to react to the allegations, and as per the latest update, Chakaravarthy seems fine to take part in the remainder of the IPL 2026 season.

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Suspense over Matheesha Pathirana looms

On the other hand, KKR received a big blow as Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana injured his calf during the last clash against GT. That game was Pathirana’s season debut, and he was coming off a long injury layoff.

However, it seems the pacer rushed his recovery. After bowling just one over, he pulled his calf muscle again and walked off the field limping in pain. 

That scene was devastating for KKR, who paid INR 18 crores at the auction to secure his services. Moreover, according to the latest reports, Matheesha Pathirana didn’t turn up for the practice session, as he is still being assessed by the franchise’s medical team.

With just hours left before the KKR vs MI clash, it is highly unlikely that Pathirana will continue to don the purple and gold colours.

KKR qualification scenario for IPL 2026 playoffs

Meanwhile, RCB, GT and SRH have already sealed a spot in the IPL 2026 season playoffs, thus leaving only a single vacant seat for which five teams are competing.

CSK, RR, DC, PBKS and KKR are all in the race. For Kolkata, however, the odds are slim. If they win their next two games, they will finish at 15 points. In that case, the Knight Riders can qualify if the Rajasthan Royals lose at least one match and the Punjab Kings lose to LSG.

But if PBKS defeat LSG and also reach 15 points, qualification could come down to NRR. That being said, KKR can still sneak through with 13 points if they beat DC, GT beat CSK, LSG beat RR, MI beat RR, PBKS lose to LSG and KKR finish ahead of PBKS on NRR.

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