![Varun Chakaravarthy [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1775536400105_VarunChakravarthy.jpg?type=hq)
Varun Chakaravarthy [Source: AFP]
As things appear as of now, Varun Chakaravarthy, the once terror of batters, the mystery spinner of India as well as Kolkata Knight Riders, has been put to rest both literally and figuratively.
Chakaravarthy didn’t feature in the abandoned KKR vs PBKS clash on Monday, April 6 as skipper Ajinkya Rahane shared that he sufferred an injury while taking a catch in the previous match.
This rest, now appears to be a break for Varun Chakaravarthy who haven’t been doing well neither in international nor in domestic cricket as of late. Reports are carrying the news that the bowler might not get another chance at an international outing for Indian team.
Varun Chakaravarthy's Recent Sharp Dip In Form
Chakaravarthy didn't have quite the golden outing that he intended in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026. Neither his India versus New Zealand series was a success.
Given the mystery bowler he is, where he scalped 12 wickets from just four matches against South Africa in 2025, or scalping 14 wickets from five innings in the IND vs ENG series in 2025, Chakaravarthy's dip in form has started late 2025.
The previous year, in the Asia Cup, he only managed to get seven wickets from the six matches he played, but still had a good economy rate of 6.50. However, against New Zealand earlier this year, he played three matches and picked only four wickets while giving away runs at an economy rate of 9.00.
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This giving away of runs continued in the World Cup too, where, although he managed to take 14 wickets from his nine appearances, he bowled at an economy rate of 9.26, as the spinner got exposed by batters banging his hard-length arm balls.
In the IPL, the series that made Varun Chakaravarthy the mystery spinner he is today, 2026 was a bad dream. From the two matches he played, he failed to take any wickets in those matches from the six overs he bowled and also gave away runs at a massive economy rate of 13.17, signaling his massive dip in form.
Chakaravarthy Out Of India’s Plans
These issues have compounded to give him a break from cricket, given that he was injured and should take rest to gain back form.
As per a PTI journalist Kushan Sarkar, the injury break of Chakaravarthy, as announced in the KKR vs PBKS match, might help him get back to the basics and find out what's wrong.
The overworked star, as per the report, does not have his India's slot safe. According to it, Varun Chakaravarthy was a ‘2026 T20 World Cup project’ and he was not thought of beyond that, and hence has no guaranteed place for the spearhead.
Chakaravarthy Out; Who Will Be In?
With Chakaravarthy's googly being decoded and his poor T20 World Cup 2026 final outing, Kuldeep Yadav can be finally the star replacement option for the spinner.
A constant performer, Kuldeep would be a solid replacement for Chakaravarthy, with Washington Sundar also an option given his all-rounder batting prowess.
Whether Varun Chakaravarthy will see the light of India cricket in the next few days or not will be clear when the Men in Blue will face Ireland for the first T20I on June 26.
As of now, no recovery news of Chakaravarthy has been circulated, with no date or update on his IPL 2026 comeback given by the KKR management.
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