'Big plus for RCB': Mohammad Kaif highlights major Varun Chakaravarthy concern for KKR

RCB caput into the contention precocious connected assurance aft pulling disconnected a thrilling two-wicket triumph implicit Mumbai Indians, portion KKR person revived their playoff hopes with 4 consecutive victories pursuing a disastrous six-match winless tally that included 5 defeats and 1 no-result.Ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s important IPL 2026 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders, erstwhile India batter Mohammad Kaif believes the imaginable lack of spinner Varun Chakaravarthy could manus a important vantage to RCB.A large origin down KKR’s resurgence has been Varun Chakaravarthy’s instrumentality to form. The enigma spinner has claimed 8 wickets successful his past 4 matches and has erstwhile again go cardinal to Kolkata’s bowling attack.

However, his availability for the RCB clash remains doubtful aft helium picked up an wounded portion attempting to halt a changeable from Ishan Kishan during the lucifer against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was aboriginal seen limping during his spell against Delhi Capitals.

According to ESPNCricinfo, KKR adjunct manager Shane Watson said Varun was “sore and being monitored.” The spinner was contiguous during grooming and bowled briefly, though not astatine afloat intensity, earlier spending the remainder of the league stretching and interacting with teammates.

Speaking connected JioStar’s ‘Match Centre Live’, Kaif said Varun’s lack would importantly payment RCB, particularly considering Virat Kohli’s comfortableness against quicker spinners.“If Varun Chakaravarthy is not available, past it is simply a large positive for RCB. He has travel backmost into signifier recently, was bowling truly good and hitting the close areas. Virat Kohli is idiosyncratic who enjoys playing against faster rotation bowlers,” Kaif said.Kaif besides pointed retired that KKR would ideally privation Varun acceptable successful bid to support their preferred bowling operation involving “two pacers, 1 all-rounder and 3 spinners.”He further praised Anukul Roy for his interaction successful the powerplay, saying his relation has allowed Sunil Narine to beryllium utilized much strategically successful the mediate overs.“Anukul Roy has done a fantastic occupation for them successful the powerplay. That gives them the flexibility to usage Sunil Narine somewhat later, wherever helium tin power the middle-over phase,” Kaif added.