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During the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, match no.57 between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the New Raipur. KKR were invited to bat first by RCB, and they had to make a force change with Varun Chakravarthy out of the game due to a niggle, and Saurabh Dubey made his IPL debut.
While KKR was batting in the middle of the innings, the KKR head coach, Abhishek Nayar, provided a massive update on Varun Chakravarthy’s injury. The KKR coach said that Varun has a toe fracture from the game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, and he carried the same injury in the next game and bowled his four overs against Delhi Capitals.
A fracture in his left toe- Abhishek Nayar on Varun Chakravarthy
Nayar said, "He has a fracture in his left toe. The one he lands on while bowling and that is causing him trouble."
During the toss, Ajinkya Rahane also stated, "Varun Chakravarthy misses out, unfortunately, with a niggle injury. Saurabh Dubey comes in place of him." He further added, "We wanted to bowl first as well. (In with a chance for the playoffs?) Absolutely, yes. I mean, last four games have been really good for us as a team. Everyone started to do really well."
I think just a belief, probably- Ajinkya Rahane on KKR's play off chances
"For us, sometimes the game tells you to keep things really simple. For us, it's all about taking one game at a time, keeping it really simple. And then, as I said, it's all about respecting the opponents and winning those small moments. So, just really looking forward to the game. (Improvements in the side?) I think just a belief, probably."
KKR have been asked to bat first, and they were off to a breezy start, but lost openers Finn Allen and Ajinkya Rahane on the scores of 18 and 19 runs respectively. Angkrish Raghuvanshi played a sensational knock and became the highest run scorer in the innings with a score of 71 runs.
KKR finished off with a score of 192/4 runs as Rinku Singh gave the finishing touch, scoring 49 runs. Cameron Green played the role of an anchor in the middle overs and scored 32 runs. The Knights finished off well after losing the openers early on a tricky wicket.
Varun Chakravarthy a big loss for KKR
Varun Chakravarthy has returned to form for the Purple and Gold and has picked 10 wickets in the last five games, which has been one of the reasons that the Knights have found their form back in the middle stage of the tournament.
KKR would love to see Varun back in the next game, as he and Sunil Narine create pressure in the middle overs and pick wickets at regular intervals, which has been a key for KKR this season. Tonight, Sunil will miss his bowling partner.
