Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) assistant coach Shane Watson revealed that Varun Chakaravarthy has been playing through pain during the team’s playoff push. The former Australian all-rounder praised the mystery spinner for continuing to bowl important overs despite dealing with physical discomfort.
The three-time IPL champions secured a victory against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Eden Gardens on Wednesday, May 20. Chakaravarthy did not take a wicket but bowled an economical spell, conceding only 28 runs in his four overs. The mystery spinner continues to play an important role in KKR’s bowling plans.
He’s Obviously Playing Through a Bit of Pain – Shane Watson on Varun Chakaravarthy
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shane Watson spoke about Varun Chakaravarthy’s recovery. Watson stated that the spinner wants to continue to play despite dealing with a painful foot injury.
“Well, I’m not exactly sure where he is on his rehab journey at the moment. All I do know is he’s obviously playing through a bit of pain at the moment, which just shows how brave he is, how much he wants to be here to contribute to KKR, and he’s still bowling beautifully.”
Chakaravarthy suffered a hairline fracture in his left foot while fielding during the match against Delhi Capitals on May 8. He missed the following game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) before returning against Gujarat Titans (GT) without being fully fit.
It’s Been Brilliant to See the Turnaround – Shane Watson on Varun Chakaravarthy
Shane Watson expressed satisfaction with Varun Chakaravarthy’s improvement during the final phase of the tournament. The assistant coach praised the spinner’s commitment and added that he has become important for the Knight Riders in pressure matches.
“It’s been brilliant to see the turnaround from the first few games of the season to the impact he’s been able to consistently have every single game. We are so lucky to have someone with Varun’s skill and also his desperation to be here and want to play for KKR.”
Varun struggled badly at the start of the season and failed to take a wicket in his first three matches. He conceded 105 runs during that period as opposition batters handled his variations comfortably.
Very Grateful for Everything That He Continues to Do – Shane Watson
The former cricketer said that Varun Chakaravarthy could have chosen to rest but instead remained committed to helping Kolkata Knight Riders during the playoff race. Watson also mentioned the unfortunate collision involving Angkrish Raghuvanshi during the match.
“Because with the pain that he’s managing, he could have easily just said, ‘I don’t want to be a part of this, I’m just going to go and rest it.’ So we’re very fortunate that he’s all in and he’s done a brilliant job again tonight. Obviously an unfortunate collision with Angkrish Raghuvanshi, but he did a brilliant job again tonight. So we’re very grateful for everything that he continues to do for KKR.”
After a difficult start to the season, Varun regained his rhythm and bowling control during the later stages of the tournament. He has taken 10 wickets in ten matches at an economy rate of 8.78.
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