Predicted KKR playing XI vs RCB: Rachin Ravindra comes in as Varun Chakravarthy doubtful

IPL 2026: Rachin Ravindra is yet to play a game in this season; Varun Chakravarhy's absence could make way for him in KKR playing XI.

KKR are playing after 5-6 days. and after starting in the most pathetic manner — by losing six, they are on the road to recovery, having won four consecutive matches. The team has shown form perhaps at the correct time, when they still have the chance to make it to IPL 2026 playoffs, however slim. On Wednesday, they will be up against RCB, who are more-or-less assured of the playoffs berth, but a win can bring KKR to 7th spot.

The batters are responding well to the challenge, and so are the bowlers, who have been mighty good. In fact, despite the availability of Matheesha Pathirana, they don’t seem to be missing him a lot. But the team warrants a change for sure. Also, there could be an injury concern to their spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who has been among the wickets.

Batting finally coming good, but work left to do

Yes, Finn Allen impressed with his mighty ton, and suddenly everything seems to be falling in place, but one must be reminded of KKR’s shortcomings in this department. None of their batters has reached 300 runs in the season, with the best being Angkrish Raghuvanshi, with 269 runs to his name, at an average of 29. Rinku Singh has been good lower down the order with 237, while Cameron Green has scored 232. Skipper Rahane is yet to impress has scored 218 overall.

That means, the team ought to have someone like Manish Pandey in their XI, or as impact sub, whenever their turn for batting comes. Pandey might not be the best in terms of strike rate, but brings tons of experience with him. In 176 matches, he has close to 4000 runs in the league. He has played two matches this year, but yet to face a delivery.

Rachin Ravindra needed

The Kiwi all-rounder warrants a spot in the XI for two reasons. 1 – Rovman Powell doesn’t seem to add any value. 2 – If Varun Chakravarthy has not recovered from his injury concern, then another spinner in the XI must be added, which could be Rachin Ravindra. He bats in the top order, which also means, struggling Rahane could come a little lower.

Predicted KKR playing XI vs RCB

Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, AS Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, Kartik Tyagi. Impact Sub: Manish Pandey