Varun Chakaravarthy Injury May Tilt RCB-KKR Clash, Kaif Says

RCB head into the IPL 2026 clash in Raipur buoyed by a dramatic two-wicket win over Mumbai Indians, while KKR have revived their playoff prospects with four straight victories after a rocky start that featured six losses and one no-result. Ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's pivotal tie against Kolkata Knight Riders, former India batter Mohammad Kaif believes Varun Chakravarthy’s possible absence could hand a significant advantage to RCB. A major factor behind KKR’s resurgence has been Varun’s return to form, with eight wickets in his last four matches. Yet, his availability for the RCB clash remains doubtful after an injury scare while attempting to stop a shot from Ishan Kishan in the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was later seen limping during his spell against Delhi Capitals. According to ESPNCricinfo, KKR assistant coach Shane Watson said Varun was “sore and being monitored.” The spinner did attend training, bowling briefly and then stretching with teammates for the remainder of the session. Kaif, speaking on JioStar’s Match Centre Live, argued Varun’s absence would significantly benefit RCB, especially given Virat Kohli’s comfort against faster spin bowling. “If Varun Chakaravarthy is not available, then it is a big plus for RCB. He has come back into form recently, was bowling really well and hitting the right areas. Virat Kohli is someone who enjoys playing against faster spin bowlers,” Kaif said. Kaif also noted that KKR would ideally want Varun fit to maintain their preferred bowling formula of two pacers, one all-rounder and three spinners. The decision on Varun’s availability will be a key subplot as the two teams collide in Raipur.}

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