Kolkata, May 25 (H.S.): Ajinkya Rahane, captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has revealed that the team’s star spinner Varun Chakaravarthy chose to continue playing despite suffering a fractured toe. Rahane said Varun’s commitment to the team and his fighting spirit were truly commendable.

Speaking after KKR’s final league match against Delhi Capitals on Sunday, Rahane said the decision to field Varun was taken following medical advice. He explained that KKR’s physiotherapist, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) National Cricket Academy (NCA) team, and the Indian team’s medical staff had held extensive discussions regarding the matter.

Rahane said:

“I do not interfere in medical matters. My responsibility is only to assess the player’s mental condition, whether he is ready to play, and the level of risk involved. The physio believed that playing would not aggravate Varun’s injury further.”

Varun Chakaravarthy sustained the injury on May 3 during a match in Hyderabad when a powerful straight drive from Ishan Kishan struck his boot directly, resulting in a fracture in a toe on his left foot. It was reportedly his third fracture during IPL 2026, as two of his fingers had also been injured earlier.

Rahane stated that despite the serious injury, Varun consistently expressed his willingness to continue playing for the team.

He said:

“Full credit goes to Varun. If a player shows the desire to play despite such an injury, it reflects how much the team means to him. He was completely prepared to take the field.”

Rahane further added:

“We had to rest him for one match because the pain was quite severe, but even then Varun insisted that he could play. When a player himself expresses the desire to continue, it sends a very positive signal to both the team and the physio.”

### “I Have Never Been Someone Who Backs Away”: Rahane

Rahane also spoke openly about KKR’s difficult season, the team’s consecutive defeats, and questions raised over his captaincy. He made it clear that resigning from the captaincy never crossed his mind.

Rahane said:

“I have always played cricket with a positive mindset. I believe that your true character is tested when the team is going through difficult times. Pressure exists on every player, but the important thing is not to panic.”

He added that despite the string of defeats, the team never gave up, which he described as KKR’s greatest strength.

“For us, the most important thing was to remain focused on the present. In cricket, things can change at any moment. I have never been someone who backs away, and the thought of stepping down as captain never entered my mind.”

### Trusting Indian Bowlers Proved to Be the Right Decision

Rahane also said that several fast bowlers suffered injuries during the season, but he continued to place faith in Indian bowlers, a decision that eventually benefited the team.

He said:

“I wanted to give Indian bowlers enough opportunities. I believed that if we supported them, they would perform well under pressure. In the initial matches, we failed to capitalise on certain moments, but I am proud of the way the team fought back.”

Notably, KKR suffered a 40-run defeat against Delhi Capitals in their final league match. With the loss, Kolkata Knight Riders concluded their IPL 2026 campaign in seventh place with 13 points.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar