IPL 2026: Abhishek Nayar Confident Varun Chakravarthy Will Bounce Back - Rediff

Despite recent struggles, Kolkata Knight Riders coach Abhishek Nayar is confident that mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy will rediscover his form and make a strong comeback in the IPL.IMAGE: Despite low returns, Varun Chakravarthy is in a good head space, says Abhishek Nayar. Photograph: KKR/X Key PointsKKR coach Abhishek Nayar expresses full support for Varun Chakravarthy, confident he will overcome his current form slump.Nayar believes Chakravarthy is mentally strong and capable of bouncing back despite teams playing him well.KKR acquired Cameron Green as a potential long-term replacement for Andre Russell, focusing on his all-round capabilities.Matheesha Pathirana is expected to join the KKR squad after undergoing fitness tests and practice matches organised by Sri Lanka Cricket.Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Abhishek Nayar has thrown his weight firmly behind mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, insisting it is inevitable that the out-of-form mystery spinner will rediscover his touch despite a string of underwhelming outings.Chakravarthys recent struggles have become a talking point, but Nayar maintained that the wrist spinner remains mentally strong and capable of overcoming yet another challenging phase in his career. Over the years, hes gone through a lot of adversity. As a franchise, as a support staff, we back him. I dont think theres any issue, Nayar said on the eve of KKRs first home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.But yes, teams are playing him well. It doesnt mean he cant come back. It just means its another challenge in his life, like hes had before.And we are trying and we are hoping, and in every way backing him. I hope the fans of the world do too. Whether its this game or in the future, its inevitable that he will bounce back like he has in the past.Chakravarthys mindset is still strongThe numbers however underline the concern. Chakravarthy endured a difficult T20 World Cup, conceding at an economy rate of 9.24 despite finishing with 14 wickets -- joint-highest alongside Jasprit Bumrah. His woes began from the South Africa match as he was taken to cleaners leaking 47 runs as India suffered a heavy defeat to South Africa.The trend continued in the IPL opener, where Mumbai Indians Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton took him apart.The spinner returned wicketless figures of 0/48 as KKR failed to defend 210, slumping to a six-wicket defeat at the Wankhede.Yet, Nayar insisted that there is no dip in the bowlers mindset.I honestly believe mentally hes in a very good space -- actually in a better space than hes been in previous years.Yes, hes accomplished a lot over the past year, which has increased expectations. Everyone always knew Varun Chakravarthy is a terrific bowler, but the expectation has grown because of what hes done for India.Oppositions will try and take him onNayar also pointed to data to suggest that there has been no drastic change in Chakravarthys bowling despite talks about his struggling lengths.Statistically, hes pretty much bowled the same speeds that he always has. HawkEye suggests hes bowled the same lengths. But sometimes players just play you better than what youre doing.He also pointed out conditions at the Wankhede Stadium where even spinners found little assistance.It was a very good pitch -- one that challenged all spinners. Ironically, only one wicket was taken by a spinner.Varun bowls in phases where hes always going to be challenged. As an opposition, if youre planning against KKR, youre going to try and take him down.There will be times when teams succeed and times when they dont. As a player, he understands that.While teams may look to target Chakravarthy, Nayar made it clear that KKR will continue to back him in key phases rather than shield him.At times, you want to protect a bowler and use him when he can be more effective. But the nature of the game is to put your best players in positions to perform.If he picks up wickets in those phases, he becomes a completely different bowler.Cameron Green as Russells Potential SuccessorNayar also addressed questions around their high-profile acquisition Cameron Green, who is yet to bowl due to workload management following back surgery -- an issue that has left them short on pace options.Nayar revealed that the franchise had gone all out for the Australian as a long-term successor to Andre Russells all-round role.When we went into the auction, it was simple -- if Russell wasnt there, who is the next best all-rounder in the world who can take that legacy forward in a different role? We felt Cameron Green could do that for us.Its just unfortunate that he hasnt been able to bowl so far.He stressed that auction decisions are made with a long-term vision rather than immediate returns.The idea of picking a player is not short-sighted. You look at what a player has done over the years and the skill set he possesses.There are things that are not in your control -- injuries, fitness -- but we invest in what a player can bring at his best, and we know what Green can do.Update on Matheesha Pathiranas AvailabilityOn Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, Nayar said clarity had emerged regarding his availability, with the bowler set to undergo fitness tests before joining the squad.Theres been a lot of clarity on the dates. Were hoping he can go through those fitness tests and the practice matches Sri Lanka Cricket has organised.Once those formalities are done, fingers crossed, well have him with us, he signed off.