Varun Chakravarthy's spin mastery keeps KKR's playoff hopes alive in 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders secured a third straight win with Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine's five-wicket haul dismantling Sunrisers Hyderabad.

KKR's bowling masterclass unfolds Sunil Narine claimed two wickets for 31 runs, while Varun Chakravarthy added three for 36, combining for figures of 8-0-67-5. This dominant bowling display effectively ended Sunrisers Hyderabad's resistance at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad. For Kolkata Knight Riders, the victory marked their third consecutive win after five losses and one abandoned match in the 2026 Indian Premier League season. The triumph underscores a significant resurgence for the franchise, coinciding perfectly with Varun's renewed bowling form. ## Narine tightens grip in middle overs On Sunday afternoon, Sunil Narine began his spell by conceding 20 runs in two powerplay overs. However, he tightened the screws dramatically afterward, allowing just 11 runs across his final two overs—specifically the tenth and sixteenth. Ambati Rayudu highlighted Narine's ability to control the game through these crucial phases. Varun Chakravarthy entered the attack after the powerplay and initially struggled, conceding 13 runs, mostly to Travis Head. Though he dismissed Head in the ninth over, the damage stood at 16 runs conceded. ## Varun's resurgence gathers pace Varun Chakravarthy found his rhythm in the twelfth over by removing R Smaran and conceded only four runs. He ended his spell by claiming Aniket Verma in the fourteenth over while giving away just four more runs. Rayudu praised Varun's tactical adjustment during the match, stating: 'Varun started off bowling at a slightly faster pace and then he slowed it down [in the middle overs] once he got hit.' He added that Varun has adapted well, utilizing the crease and angles effectively while varying his pace to become a tough bowler to face on such pitches. ## Sunrisers' coach rues missed chances Daniel Vettori, Sunrisers Hyderabad's coach, admitted that Kolkata Knight Riders' spinners found excellent length and execution throughout the match. He noted: 'Chakravarthy was able to take wickets even after we put him under pressure in those first couple overs, and wickets in T20 games and the IPL are the biggest currency.' Vettori felt the team missed a chance to stabilize during the middle phase when the ball softened, which prevented them from building a platform for the death overs. ## Varun's early struggles turn around Varun began the 2026 season with returns of 0 for 48 and 0 for 31 in consecutive matches. A hand injury forced him out of action temporarily. However, in his last four appearances, he has taken ten wickets at an average of 11.70. Piyush Chawla and Ambati Rayudu had earlier expressed concerns that Varun's desperation for wickets led to erratic bowling—prioritizing speed over turn and control. His recent performances suggest a welcome return to form, though the playoff race remains challenging for Kolkata Knight Riders.