Varun Chakravarthy throws the bait for Virat Kohli before KKR vs RCB IPL Opener

India National Cricket Team teammates Virat Kohli and Varun Chakravarthy are all set to go up against each other in IPL 2025. Virat Kohli and Varun Chakravarthy will be rivals when the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 opener in Kolkata on Saturday, March 22.

Ahead of the IPL 2025 opener, Chakravarthy said that he is looking forward to making an impact against Kohli at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. They recently won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 together. However, the battle between them would be enthralling to watch.

The Indian spinner has been effective against the dashing right-handed batter in the IPL, as he conceded only 40 runs in his 39 deliveries but managed to dismiss him only once. However, Varun remains focused on maintaining the same approach that worked for him last year.

Varun Chakravarthy ready to challenge Virat Kohli in the KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 opener

Varun Chakravarthy said in the pre-match press conference, “I've done just the same preparation I did last year. Definitely excited to be coming up against Virat. Obviously, he's batted well against me, and I would like to do well against him also.”

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Speaking on his preparation to face Kohli, the KKR spinner noted, “Whenever I play some domestic, I try to work on something new. Every year I try to bowl something new. Last year it worked out; in seasons before that, it didn't.

Obviously, I have a few balls up my sleeve, but it will depend on other factors also. Basically, the ball can deviate in three ways: left, right, or straight. So how I choose those balls, the sequencing of it—that's where the tactical side of the game comes, and that's what I'm working on.”

I have done my homework too: Varun Chakravarthy on tackling RCB batters

Meanwhile, Chakravarthy admitted that the RCB has a dangerous batting line-up, featuring Kohli, Phil Salt, and Liam Livingstone, but he insisted that the defending champions have done their homework and are ready to outshine the tourists in the season opener in Kolkata.

The mystery spinner further added, “Anyone at this level, you cannot think of it as an easy opposition. Every team in the IPL is as good as the other one. RCB has a quality team, but we have done our homework. I have done my homework too.”

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Varun Chakravarthy is ready to bowl anywhere for KKR

Well, Varun is ready to bowl whenever his Kolkata team needs him in the IPL 2025, as they are aiming to have a winning start to their campaign to defend their title. Having bowled in the powerplay, middle overs, and at the death, the spinner stressed that he is flexible with his role.

With Ajinkya Rahane leading KKR this season, Varun revealed that he has already discussed his strengths and areas where he can be most effective to ensure a well-planned approach for the tournament. Notably, they had crushed SRH to win the third IPL trophy last year.