New Delhi: Varun Chakravarthy demonstrated remarkable perseverance by continuing to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2026 Indian Premier League despite enduring multiple injuries. His commitment was acknowledged by both assistant coach Shane Watson and head coach Abhishek Nayar, especially as KKR notched up a second victory after a slow start to their campaign.
Captain Ajinkya Rahane revealed that Chakravarthy remained on the team sheet despite having a fractured foot, following a thorough clearance from the medical staff. “See, our team’s physios and the physios of BCCI and the Indian team had a discussion. I don’t get involved in that at all; that’s their department. My focus is on the player’s mindset, whether he wants to play or not, and how significant the risk is,” Rahane stated to reporters after KKR’s final league match.
He emphasized the importance of considering player health: “Yes, we think about that. But the physios felt that his injuries wouldn’t increase.”
According to a report by the news agency PTI, there was coordinated management of Chakravarthy’s injuries between KKR’s medical team and BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, alongside Indian team physios. IPL franchises are required to inform the BCCI about the conditions of centrally contracted players, particularly when there is a risk of aggravating injuries.
Rahane commended Chakravarthy for his willingness to play, particularly after sustaining a hairline fracture during a match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. “Varun was eager to play and deserves all the credit because this kind of injury shows how important the team is to you. He was fully prepared to participate. We had to give him a break in one match because he was in considerable pain, but he believed he could play. That communication came from him,” Rahane remarked.
“When a player expresses a desire to play, it sends a positive message to the physios and the team about his commitment. He exhibited eagerness to participate, and the injury risk management was handled by the physios, who deemed that the injury wouldn’t worsen,” he added.
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