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IPL 2026 has not been easy, neither for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) nor for their top spinner Varun Chakravarthy. The spinner, who was considered a mystery spinner for Team India and KKR, had to go through a phase full of ups and downs in the initial stages of the ongoing Indian Premier League.
As the tournament progressed, Varun Chakravarthy slowly, but surely, showed signs of getting back to his old form, then suddenly, the hard-earned momentum was halted due to injury. In recent times, the spinner was troubled by several injuries.
Hairline fracture in Varun Chakraborty’s toe.
Varun Chakravarthy suffered a hairline fracture in his toe during the middle stage of the IPL 2026 campaign. His fingers also got hurt. Several injuries not only affected his own form but also the team’s tactics.
Ahead of the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals match to be played on May 24, KKR head coach Abhishek Nair explains that a finger injury and then a toe problem has made the situation more challenging for Varun Chakravarthy. So far, the IPL 2026 season has not been on a smooth surface.
Many of his arms and legs are broken: KKR head coach
“For him to go through that (injury) and start the season in an up and down state, to get back into form, to have injuries – he has already had a lot of broken limbs in this tournament. First, those two fingers and now his toes,” Abhishek Nair said ahead of the KKR vs DC match in Kolkata.
Nair believes that Varun is one of those tough characters who knows how to overcome difficult situations and come back stronger. The franchise head coach admitted that the 34-year-old player is highly motivated and has a deep attachment to Kolkata Knight Riders.
Abhishek Nair said, “I always say that the toughest characters learn to go through pain and adversity. And that’s what Varun Chakraborty is. When you talk to him he doesn’t seem like a tough character. But internally, he is someone who is extremely driven and feels very deeply for the franchise.”
“He’s been a franchise player for us. He’s been an integral part, and I think he understands that. So he’s very passionate when it comes to everybody involved with this team, and I think that’s his own thinking behind really wanting to do it and not forcing them to do it,” he further stressed.
Varun got injured during the match against Delhi Capitals
Chakraborty suffered a hairline fracture in his left leg during the match against Delhi Capitals on May 8. Due to injury, he had to miss the match of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore on 13 May.
Despite the injury, he bowled his full quota against Delhi Capitals, showing immense resilience and commitment towards the team. He was limping badly during his last over against DC. Later it was found that the spinner had a hairline fracture in his toe.
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