Last Update on: March 29th, 2023 at 12:53 pm

After exploding onto the scene at IPL 2020 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy had a disappointing 2022 season last year. Ex-cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has suggested that rather than him being part of the playing XI, the 31-year-old can be used as an Impact Player.

The ‘Impact Player’ rule, to be introduced in IPL 2023, allows teams to make one substitution during the match, like in football. Each team can bring in a player from a list of 4 players to substitute a player in the playing XI. This can happen at any point in the match.

While fans and experts speculate on how teams will utilize this rule throughout the tournament, many believe this will encourage sides to utilize more specialist players, one of them being Chakravarthy.

Also read: 3 Teams That Can Target Varun Chakravarthy In IPL 2023

On his ‘AakashVaani’ show on JioCinema, Chopra explained how Varun could bowl his 4 overs can be brought in just to bowl his 4 overs.

“They (KKR) have options in bowling. You can use either Vaibhav Arora or Kulwant Khejrolia as the Impact Player. If the ball is turning, you can use your spinner as the Impact Player. I feel Varun Chakravarthy can also be the Impact Player because you won’t need his batting.”

KKR will kick off their IPL 2023 on Saturday, April 1 against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Also read: IPL 2022: Varun Chakravarthy Looks To Up His Game With New Variation

Aakash Chopra feels good about KKR’s bowling attack

Speaking of the rest of KKR’s bowling attack, Aakash Chopra points out that the team has a good mix of Indian and foreign bowlers.

The Kolkata-based franchise has two proven Indian pacers in Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur, and they might enjoy bowling at the Eden Gardens.

“Umesh Yadav bowled extremely well with the new ball last year. I expect the same, at least on the home ground because the ball will swing there. So Umesh Yadav is one and along with him in the Indian bowling you have Shardul Thakur.” said Aakash Chopra

Speaking of the spin attack, the Ex-India batter feels that KKR have their bases covered.

“He (Shardul) can be slightly expensive but is a wicket-taker. You have two spinners in the form of Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine and if you want, you can play Anukul Roy as well. So this base is covered, you are absolutely fine.”

After finishing 7th in 2022, KKR will be looking to make it to the playoffs for the second time in three years.

Also read: PBKS vs KKR: “Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Has A Very Good Bowling Attack”- Umesh Yadav

KKR vs PBKS: Aakash Chopra Suggests That Varun Chakravarthy Can Play As An Impact Player For KKR In IPL 2023

Aakash Chopra feels good about KKR’s bowling attack

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