IPL 2026: KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane Backs Varun Chakravarthy, says 'His Attitude is Right' Despite MI Loss

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The aftermath of Match 2 in the IPL 2026 season has left the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with more questions than answers, particularly regarding their bowling depth.

While the spotlight has been on the lack of a sixth bowling option, the form of primary spinner Varun Chakravarthy has also come under scrutiny. However, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane has come out in strong defense of his lead spinner, dismissing concerns over his effectiveness.

During the high-scoring thriller at the Wankhede Stadium, the Mumbai Indians' batters seemed to have decoded Chakravarthy's "mystery," taking him for significant runs in the middle overs. Despite the expensive spell, Rahane was quick to point out that the effort behind the scenes remains top-notch.

The mystery spinner has been under pressure since the T20 World Cup, and the transition to IPL didn't change his fate as he conceded 48 runs in his four overs.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rahane emphasized that a single bad day at the office does not define a bowler of Varun's value.

"Varun Chakravarthy is working hard and his attitude is right," Rahane told reporters, shutting down suggestions that the spinner was struggling with confidence.

"In a format like T20, especially at a ground like Wankhede, there will be days when the batters get the better of you. But what matters to me as a captain is the process, and Varun is doing everything right in the nets," he added.

The skipper's backing comes at a crucial time. With the departure of several veteran stars in the 2026 mega auction, Chakravarthy is now the most experienced Indian spinner in the KKR ranks. His ability to bounce back will be central to KKR's hopes of making the playoffs.

The short boundaries and flat pitch in Mumbai provided a challenge for the KKR bowling unit. Rahane noted that the conditions were skewed heavily in favour of the batters, which made life difficult for any spinner trying to find grip.

"It's about the execution under pressure. We saw some exceptional hitting today," Rahane added. "Varun is a match-winner for us. He has won games single-handedly for this franchise in the past, and I have no doubt he will do it again very soon," he concluded.

As KKR heads back to their home turf at Eden Gardens, the conditions are expected to be more conducive to Chakravarthy's style of bowling. The slower nature of the Kolkata pitch typically rewards bowlers who can vary their pace and trajectory, traits that have made the "mystery spinner" a force to be reckoned with since his debut.