Kolkata, 20 April (H.S.):

After Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured a crucial win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, spinner Varun Chakravarthy spoke candidly about the team’s performance, the pressure surrounding the side, and the emotional weight of the victory.

Chakravarthy said that every match in cricket is different and that pitch conditions play a decisive role. Speaking at the post-match press conference, he noted, “I took three wickets today, but that does not happen in every match. At times, the pitch does not assist the spinners, and runs are bound to be conceded. That is the nature of the game, and we have to accept it.”

Reflecting on KKR’s inconsistent batting and the team’s recent struggles, he admitted that repeated losses and external pressure had affected the players. “We could not win a few matches, which increased the pressure. But in this game, we came out as a better team and managed to win. There are still many areas where we need to improve,” he said.

He also praised the coaching staff for keeping the squad united during difficult times. “It is not easy to manage a team in tough circumstances. The coaching staff kept us together and did not allow outside criticism to affect the team. We will make a gradual comeback,” he said.

Describing the victory as deeply emotional, Chakravarthy added that there were tears in the dressing room after the match. “This win means a lot to us,” he said.

On his own bowling, Chakravarthy said he has not made major changes to his pace or length, but is trying to unsettle batters by varying his lines. He also revealed that he had suffered a finger fracture before the tournament, which caused difficulties in fielding.

Looking ahead, he expressed hope that slower pitches in the second half of the tournament would favour spinners.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar