RCB vs KKR, IPL 2026: Why is Varun Chakravarthy not playing Today? KKR coach gives Huge Update

Kolkata Knight Riders are playing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a crucial IPL 2026 match on Wednesday (May 13).

The Knight Riders lost the toss and are batting first, and during toss, captain Ajinkya Rahane confirmed the absence of Varun Chakravarthy from the side.

Kolkata, who are in must-win territory, will miss their star mystery spinner, who was seen hobbling on the field in the last match against Delhi Capitals.

RCB vs KKR: Why is Varun Chakravarthy not Playing Today?

Varun Chakravarthy is not playing as he is injured. The Indian spinner was seen struggling to bowl in the last match and has now been ruled out with the injury.

"I thought we've been bowling really well as a bowling unit. But, you know, winning those small moments in this format is really important. Every single game is really important. Varun Chakravarthy misses out, unfortunately, with a niggle injury. Saurabh Dubey comes in in place of him," Rahane said at the toss.

Abhishek Nayar gives Varun Chakravarthy Update

During the KKR innings, their head coach Abhishek Nayar spoke with the commentators and provided further details of the Indian spinner. He confirmed that Varun had a hairline fracture on his toe, thus ruling him out for this match. But the Knight Riders player is expected to be fit for the next match.

Chakravarthy made a slow start to the season but roared back to form in the last few matches. KKR are in a four-match winning run and Varun has played a key role in it, picking up 10 wickets in the last five matches.

Who has replaced Varun Chakravarthy?

Saurabh Dubey is making his IPL debut for the Kolkata Knight Riders today. The Vidarbha left-arm pacer is a quality bowler and was roped in as a replacement for Akash Deep at the start of the season.