Kolkata Knight Riders have been handed a major injury concern ahead of their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy struggling to recover fully from a leg injury sustained earlier this week. The two sides are set to meet at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday, May 12, in what could prove to be a decisive game in the playoff race.

Chakravarthy has rediscovered his rhythm in recent matches after enduring a disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 knockout stage. His return to form has played a massive role in KKR’s impressive turnaround during the second half of the tournament. However, his availability against RCB now remains uncertain.

The spinner picked up the injury during Kolkata’s previous encounter against Delhi Capitals in Delhi. Despite visibly struggling with discomfort throughout his spell, Chakravarthy continued bowling and contributed to his side before eventually being substituted. Concerns around his fitness intensified further after he was spotted walking with the help of a stick at the team hotel ahead of the RCB fixture.

WATCH – Pat Cummins Trusts Ishan Kishan As DRS Removes Jos Buttler

KKR assistant coach Shane Watson provided an update on the spinner during the pre-match press conference, admitting that the medical staff are still monitoring his condition closely.

“Varun Chakravarthy is still being monitored at the moment,” Shane Watson said. “Obviously, he’s been sore. In the last two games, he was in a lot of pain. Even though he still bowled incredibly well, to see where he started off in the season to where he’s ended up has been incredible to see,” he added.

Watson also addressed questions surrounding Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who joined the squad in mid-April but has yet to feature this season. According to Watson, the fast bowler is fully fit and ready for selection, though team balance has prevented his inclusion so far.

“Pathirana continues to push his case. He’s fit and ready to go. But with the way our team’s been set up, it’s been hard for him to get into the playing XI,” Shane Watson explained.

ALSO READ: Krunal Pandya Reveals What Virat Kohli’s ‘Eyes’ Say About His Hunger

KKR’s IPL 2026 campaign began disastrously, with the franchise managing just one point from their opening six games. However, the defending champions have staged a remarkable comeback with four consecutive victories, putting themselves firmly back in contention for a playoff spot heading into the final phase of the season.