Varun Chakravarthy (AP Photo)
RCB head into the contest with high confidence after registering a thrilling two-legged win over Mumbai Indians, while KKR have revived their playoff hopes with four successive wins after a disastrous six-match winless run that included five defeats and a single result.Ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s crucial clash in IPL 2026 against Kolkata Knight Riders, former India batsman Mohammad Kaif believes the potential absence of pacer Varun Chakaravarthy could give RCB a big advantage.The key factor behind KKR’s comeback has been Varun Chakaravarthy’s return to form. The enigmatic spinner has taken eight wickets in his last four matches and has once again become pivotal to Kolkata’s bowling attack.
However, his availability for RCB’s match is still in doubt after he suffered an injury while trying to stop a shot from Ishan Kishan during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was later seen limping during his spell against Delhi Capitals.
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According to ESPNCricinfo, KKR assistant coach Shane Watson said Varun was “hurt and being monitored”. The spinner was present during training and bowled the ball briefly, but not with full intensity, before spending the remainder of the session stretching and interacting with his teammates.
Speaking on Match Center Live on JioStar, Kaif said that Varun’s absence will benefit RCB greatly, especially considering Virat Kohli’s comfort against faster players.“If Varun Chakaravarthy is not available, this is a big plus for RCB. He has returned to his form recently, and has been bowling really well and hitting the right areas. Virat Kohli is someone who enjoys playing against faster bowlers,” Kaif said.Kaif also noted that KKR would like Varun to be an ideal fit in order to maintain their preferred bowling combination which includes “two pacers, one all-rounder and three spinners”.
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He also praised Anukul Roy for his impact in the powerplay, saying his role allowed Sunil Narine to be used more strategically in the middle.“Anukul Roy has done a great job for them in the power play. This gives them the flexibility to use Sunil Narine later on, as he can control the mid-on phase,” Kaif added.