Cricket News, Rahane Criticised, Cricket Updates
Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) handling of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has come under scrutiny following their defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens, with former India allrounder Irfan Pathan saying captain Ajinkya Rahane “messed it up” by using him in the powerplay.
Rahane introduced Varun in the fifth over, where he was taken apart by Abhishek Sharma for 25 runs, including two sixes and three fours. The spinner later returned to bowl a tidy 11th over conceding just six runs but was not used again, finishing with only two overs and just one dot ball.
Captain’s Call Under Fire
Speaking after the match, Rahane defended his decision, emphasizing the importance of reading the game situation and protecting a player’s confidence.
“It’s not compulsory to bowl four overs. If someone is struggling, you’ve got to accept that,” Rahane said, adding that managing a player’s mindset during tough phases is crucial.
He also highlighted the contribution of Anukul Roy, who impressed with two overs for 16 runs and a wicket, earning his spot after a standout domestic season.
However, Pathan strongly disagreed with Rahane’s approach, particularly the decision to use an out-of-form spinner in the high-risk powerplay overs.
“You are giving him the toughest job as a captain,” Pathan said. “That’s where leadership comes in. He messed it up with Varun by bowling him in the powerplay.”
Dip in Form Raises Concerns
Varun’s struggles have been evident in recent matches. Once hailed as a “cheat code” for India during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, he has endured a difficult run, conceding heavily across his last few outings.
In the six matches leading into the SRH game, Varun had leaked 273 runs in 23 overs, resulting in an economy rate nearing 12—one of the poorest stretches for a T20 bowler with a significant workload.
Mixed Views from Experts
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar offered a more balanced perspective, suggesting Rahane’s cautious use of Varun stemmed from a lack of confidence in the bowler’s current form.
“At the moment, he doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence,” Bangar said, while acknowledging that Rahane’s reliance on seamers and variations proved effective in restricting big hitting outside the powerplay.
Bangar also noted that with multiple spin options available, including Roy and Sunil Narine, Rahane had alternatives to manage the middle overs.
Leadership and Confidence in Focus
The episode highlights the delicate balance captains must strike between tactical decisions and player confidence, especially in a high-pressure tournament like the IPL.
While Rahane’s intent to shield Varun may have been well-meaning, the criticism underscores how crucial timing and role clarity are—particularly for a bowler once considered a match-winner for KKR.
