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Rahane Backs Flexible Bowling, Urges Support for KKR's Chakaravarthy

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has defended flexible bowling strategies, stating decisions depend on the bowler's form and the match situation rather than a rigid four-over quota. He explained that while he initially wanted Varun Chakaravarthy to bowl his full allotment, the opposition's strong batting forced a change, leading to praise for Anukul Roy's effective spell. Rahane emphasized that Chakaravarthy is a committed team player going through a tough phase and needs full support, even if it means reducing his workload to rebuild confidence. This comes after KKR suffered a heavy 65-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking their second consecutive loss to start the IPL 2026 season.

Key Points: KKR's Rahane on Flexible Bowling Strategy & Supporting Varun

  • Bowling decisions based on match situation
  • Support for Varun Chakaravarthy's confidence
  • Praise for Anukul Roy's impact
  • No fixed four-over quota for any bowler
3 min read

IPL: KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane backs flexibility in bowling strategy, urges support for Chakaravarthy

KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane explains flexible bowling quotas, supports Varun Chakaravarthy, and praises Anukul Roy after SRH defeat.

"Sometimes, you've got to see the mentality of the bowler, what he is going through. - Ajinkya Rahane"

Kolkata, April 3

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane explained that bowling decisions depend on match situations rather than sticking to a fixed four-over quota, emphasising the need to assess a bowler's form and confidence during the game.

Rahane noted that while he initially wanted Varun Chakaravarthy to complete his overs, the opposition's strong batting forced a change, praised Anukul Roy for his impactful spell and recent domestic form, and added that even experienced players like Sunil Narine may bowl fewer overs if he is struggling.

This comes after Chakaravarthy only bowled two overs against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday at Kolkata in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Chakaravarthy conceded 31 runs and bowled just one dot in his 12 deliveries.

"Sometimes, you've got to see the mentality of the bowler, what he is going through. It's not compulsory to bowl four overs. If he's struggling, you've got to accept that he is struggling. I wanted Varun to bowl four overs, but the way their batters were going... Anukul bowled two really good overs. He is playing because he did really well in the Mushtaq Ali, he was the Man of the Series in the Mushtaq Ali. He can bowl in the powerplay and he can bowl in the middle overs. It is not compulsory [to bowl the full quota] at all. If Sunil [Narine] is struggling [in a game], you might see him bowl two or three overs. Or whoever is struggling. On that particular day, what is happening in the game, you've got to read that situation and decide accordingly," Rahane told the reporters after the match.

Rahane also said that Chakaravarthy is a committed team player going through a tough phase and needs full support, adding that reducing his bowling workload, even to just a few or no overs in a match, can help rebuild his confidence.

"Varun is a team man. He is going through that phase where he needs that support from each and every one. Sometimes, bowling just two overs can help a player. Or one over. Or no overs. We want Varun's confidence throughout the tournament," he added.

KKR have now faced two defeats in their first two games (only the second time in KKR's history), had such a poor start to a season. KKR got a 65-run hammering from SRH on Thursday, an all-round performance from the orange franchise helped them to get their first victory of IPL 2026.

The three-time IPL champions will aim to bounce back quickly with games coming thick and fast at home. Punjab Kings visit them on April 6, and Lucknow Super Giants come on April 9.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, I appreciate this insight into captaincy. It's easy for us to criticize from the outside, but managing player confidence during a high-pressure tournament like the IPL is a real skill. Rahane showing good leadership by protecting Chakaravarthy.
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Rohit P
All good in theory, but the results aren't showing. Two losses in two games is worrying for KKR. While I agree with supporting Varun, the team needs points on the board. The bowling attack looks toothless. Need a win against Punjab Kings desperately!
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Priya S
This is the human side of cricket we often forget. Players go through slumps. Rahane's words show the dressing room is backing Varun, which is crucial. He was a match-winner before, he can be again. Patience is key. #KKRHaiTaiyaar
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Aman W
Good to see domestic performers like Anukul Roy getting a chance and delivering. Mushtaq Ali form translating to IPL - that's how it should be! Hope this flexibility continues and we see more such players shine. The real test is bouncing back now.
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Michael C
Respectfully, while the sentiment is good, pulling your main bowler after two bad overs might also shatter his confidence further. It's a fine balance. Sometimes a captain needs to show faith publicly by giving that third over to let him fight back. Just a different perspective.

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