Varun Finds His Rhythm Before Rinku and Anukul Help Keep KKR Campaign Alive
The signs were all positive on Sunday afternoon in Kolkata. While it was hot, there was a light cloud cover that made the discomfort slightly more bearable. Fans had turned up in numbers – perhaps to catch a glimpse of young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Either way, the signs were good, and finally Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) did not disappoint. A bulk of the credit for the win goes to Varun Chakaravarthy, who, after a lean two months, finally got his mojo back and bowled beautifully to restrict Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Even then, the game looked lost at one stage, after another feeble top-order batting effort left KKR 85/6. Fortunately for the expectant throng inside Eden Gardens, Rinku Singh played his first significant innings of the season, and with Anukul Roy providing excellent support, KKR timed the final charge to a nicety. Some questionable bowling changes from Riyan Parag helped, and Rinku finished off with the sort of flourish – two fours and a six – that first brought him into the public eye.
But the real story was Varun. His first two overs read two wickets for three runs. While it is too early to say he is back in form – and there is no need to get too far ahead of ourselves – the truth is that Varun looked more assured and comfortable. Perhaps he has fully recovered and the break has helped. Either way, it was great to see, for he is a key asset for India in this format.
The first was the wicket of Vaibhav. KKR needed the breakthrough and Varun, who was brought into the attack late, delivered instantly. As we have written multiple times in the last few days, Varun needed to be held back during the powerplay. He wasn’t his usual confident self, and it was only fair to give him a bit more cushion, which he finally got on Sunday. With the field spread, Varun could experiment more, and the wicket of Vaibhav was exactly what he needed.
Dhruv Jurel tried the reverse the next over and Varun bowled it a tad wide outside the off stump. It was smart, and Tim Seifert did the rest. You could see Varun gaining confidence and no longer trying to bowl too quickly. The pace was just right, and he was taking his time.
The third wicket was the best. Parag had reverse-swept him for four the previous ball, and Varun simply altered the length slightly to ensure he couldn’t drive. The ball came in a touch and found the gap between bat and pad. It was a terrific spell for KKR and key to them gaining control in the middle overs.
It is too early to say if this is a one-off or if Varun is gradually getting back to his best. That said, the confidence was on display, and the signs are encouraging. If KKR are to turn their campaign around, Varun and Sunil Narine will have to control the middle overs and choke the opposition. With Matheesha Pathirana joining the team, there will be more depth in the fast bowling as well.
Again, we shouldn’t get too far ahead of ourselves. It was just one game and could well be an aberration. But when the season has been largely downhill so far, even one victory gives KKR fans something to cheer about – and affords Ajinkya Rahane and Abhishek Nayar a breather of sorts. They are still alive in the competition and should treat every game from here on as a knockout. As for Varun, he should build on this and work his way back to where he belongs.
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Also read IPL 2026: Varun Stars, Rinku Finishes – Kolkata Knight Riders End Winless Streak in Eden Gardens Thriller
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