Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Shane Watson has provided an injury update on Varun Chakravarthy ahead of the franchise’s must-win clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 13. The mystery spinner, who was seen wearing knee braces and using crutches after KKR’s previous match against Delhi Capitals, raised concerns over his availability.
With KKR fighting to keep their IPL playoff hopes alive, Chakravarthy’s fitness could prove crucial given his resurgence after a difficult start to the season.
“Varun Chakravarthy is still being monitored at the moment,” Watson said ahead of the clash against RCB in Raipur. “Obviously he’s been sore. In the last two games he was in a lot of pain. Even though he still bowled incredibly well, to see where he started off in the season to where he’s ended up getting to has been incredible to see.”
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Watson added that the franchise remains hopeful about the spinner’s availability but is yet to make a final call. “We’re just monitoring him at the moment. We’ve got our fingers crossed that he’ll be available for tomorrow, but we’re still not exactly sure,” he said.
After going wicketless in KKR’s first three matches of the season, Chakravarthy bounced back strongly by taking 10 wickets in the next four games. His turnaround has played a major role in reviving KKR’s campaign, including a match-winning three-wicket spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
KKR have dramatically revived their season after a disastrous start in which they lost six matches. The defending champions have since won four consecutive games to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Watson said the team remains focused on maintaining consistency rather than looking too far ahead. “History has shown in the IPL that teams can recover after poor starts,” he said. “We certainly know that’s possible. But what’s most important is continuing to put together complete performances like we did against Delhi Capitals.”
Watson also gave an update on Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who is yet to cement a regular place in the playing XI despite being fit and available.
“He continues to push his case. He’s fit and ready to go,” Watson said. He added that Pathirana remains fit and available for selection, but the current balance and combination of the side have made it difficult for the Sri Lankan pacer to break into the playing XI. However, Watson believes having a bowler of Pathirana’s quality ready on the bench gives the entire squad added confidence and strengthens KKR’s depth heading into crucial matches.
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