RCB vs KKR: Varun Chakravarthy's Absence Could Benefit Bengaluru

As RCB prepares to face KKR, former cricketer Mohammed Kaif discusses the potential impact of Varun Chakravarthy's absence on the match. RCB aims to continue their winning momentum after a recent victory, while KKR seeks to maintain their resurgence following a challenging start to the season. With insights on team strategies and player performances, this match promises to be an exciting encounter for cricket fans.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 15:30 IST

Match Preview: RCB vs KKR

As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif highlighted that the potential absence of spinner Varun Chakravarthy might be advantageous for RCB.

Current Team Performance and Injury Updates

RCB aims to build on their recent thrilling two-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) as they take on KKR, who have recently turned their fortunes around after a dismal stretch of six matches without a win, which included five losses and one no-result. KKR has since bounced back, winning four consecutive matches and re-entering the playoff race.

A positive note for KKR is the resurgence of Varun Chakravarthy, who has claimed 10 wickets in his last five outings following a three-match wicketless streak. He entered the tournament after a mixed T20 World Cup, where he led the wicket charts with 14 wickets but struggled during the Super Eight stage, managing only five wickets and facing significant challenges from opposing batters.

However, Varun's fitness is now in question after he appeared to sustain an injury while fielding against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and showed signs of discomfort in the match against the Delhi Capitals (DC). According to reports, assistant coach Shane Watson mentioned that Varun is 'sore and being monitored.'

Insights from Kaif

In a discussion on 'Match Centre Live,' Kaif remarked, 'If Varun Chakravarthy is unavailable, it would be a significant advantage for RCB. He has recently regained his form and has been effective in hitting the right areas. Virat Kohli tends to excel against quicker spin bowlers.'

Kaif also noted that KKR would prefer to have Varun in the lineup to maintain their strategy of utilizing 'two pacers, one all-rounder, and three spinners.' He praised Anukul Roy for his impressive performance during the Powerplay, which allows Sunil Narine to be used later in the innings to manage the middle overs.

Team Lineups

Kolkata Knight Riders Squad: Ajinkya Rahane(c), Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, Ramandeep Singh, Tejasvi Dahiya, Navdeep Saini, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Blessing Muzarabani, Matheesha Pathirana, Rahul Tripathi, Sarthak Ranjan, Prashant Solanki, Saurabh Dubey, Umran Malik, Daksh Kamra.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Rasikh Salam Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Philip Salt, Nuwan Thushara, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhinandan Singh, Kanishk Chouhan, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, Swapnil Singh.