Ajinkya Rahane sets the record straight on Varun Chakravarthy’s injury saga: 'I don’t get involved'

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane opened up on the team's decision to play mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy despite having a fractured foot.

Varun Chakaravarthy sustained a hairline fracture on his left toe during the SRH-KKR clash. Image: Reuters

FirstCricket Staff|May 25, 2026, 18:46:43 IST

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has addressed the decision to continue Varun Chakaravarthy despite his injuries, stressing that the call was made only after medical clearance.

Varun sustained a hairline fracture on his left toe during the KKR vs SRH clash when he was struck by the ball, adding to finger fractures on his non-bowling hand. Despite the pain, he bowled his full quota of overs during matches.

Rahane: 'Physios felt his injuries won’t increase'

Speaking to the media after KKR's final league-stage match on Sunday, Rahane said that he has no involvement in the decision.

“See, our team’s physios and the physios of BCCI and the Indian team, there was a discussion among them. I don’t get involved in that at all. That’s their department. My department is how’s the player’s mindset, does the player want to play or not, how big is the risk?” Rahane said.

KKR skipper applauds Varun's determination

Varun's hairline fracture drew concern due to the spinner's status as a centrally contracted India player, and his injury management required proper coordination among KKR's medical team, Team India physios and the COE.

Rahane also applauded Varun's commitment to continue playing despite being in significant pain.

“Varun was eager to play. And he gets all the credit because in that injury, you show how important the team is for you. Varun was completely ready. Yes, we had to give him a break in one match because he was in a lot of pain. But he thought he could play. That communication came from him,” Rahane further revealed.

KKR’s campaign ended with a 40-run defeat to the Delhi Capitals at Eden Gardens on Sunday. Their playoff hopes were dashed after RR defeated MI by 30 runs, securing the final qualification spot.

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