Narine and Varun have struggled to make an impact this season. Courtesy: PTI

Will Narine and Varun return for LSG clash? KKR sweat over key duo's fitness

KKR have issued an update on Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy after the spin duo missed the last clash against Punjab Kings in Kolkata. Narine and Chakravarthy lead KKR's spin attack this season.

08 Apr 2026, 12:52 by Alan Jose John · India Today

In Short

KKR played without Narine and Chakravarthy for the first time in seven years
Both spinners were vital in KKR's 2024 title-winning campaign
Narine has returned to training, Chakravarthy return remains unknown

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens on April 6 without Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy for the first time in seven years. Both players had been key contributors to KKR's 2024 title win, with Varun taking 21 wickets and Narine 17 that season.

This campaign, however, has seen a marked decline in their performances, with the two combined managing just one wicket in two matches. Their absence against Punjab further weakened an already fragile KKR bowling unit. KKR confirmed that Narine has returned to training and participated in practice sessions ahead of their upcoming game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Varun remains sidelined due to a finger injury, with no clear timeline for his return.

A KKR spokesperson stated in the pre-match press conference,

"Sunil Narine had some abdominal pain, which caused him to miss the last game, but he has recovered well. He was at training yesterday and today, so he looks good. Varun has a finger injury; the exact update on that will be known later."

NARINE-VARUN MAGIC OVER?

In recent seasons, Narine's effectiveness has diminished as opposing teams have developed strategies to counter his bowling early in their innings. In the 2025 season, he took 12 wickets with an average exceeding 29.

Varun's form also deteriorated following the second phase of the T20 World Cup, where he conceded runs heavily in crucial knockout matches. This season, his economy rate stands above 13 across two games.

Former India spinner R Ashwin observed that the spin duo's impact has decreased over the past two seasons, presenting a significant challenge for KKR in the tournament.

"I don’t think oppositions will be worried after looking at KKR’s bowling attack. I think the mystery factory, the novelty factor, and the fear, that particular facet, would have gone. Earlier, batters used to go to the analyst’s room, watch the bowler’s hand, or just look to take a single,” Ashwin told on his YouTube channel.

KKR have earned only one point from three matches so far, with their last game at Eden Gardens ending in a washout.

- Ends