Is Varun Chakaravarthy playing today in KKR vs GT in IPL 2026? Ajinkya Rahane comes up with biggest update at coin toss

Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy was included in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) playing XI in their crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter against Gujarat Titans on Saturday as the tournament reaches its business end. A key figure in KKR's revival in IPL 2026, Chakaravarthy played with injuries through the entire tournament this year.

After playing with a finger injury and going wicketless in the first three matches, Chakravarthy returned to form with 10 wickets in the next four games, including a match-winning spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, a foot injury raised serious concerns on the 31-year-old.

While he was seen limping on quite a few occasions, the footage of Chakravarthy wearing knee braces and using crutches after KKR’s victory over Delhi Capitals wore a different look. In fact, KKR were forced to bench Chakravarthy against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

During the game against RCB, KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed that Chakravarthy has suffered a small hairline toe fracture on his landing foot and hoped to come back in the game against Gujarat Titans.

Varun Chakaravarthy is 'fit'

During the coin toss, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane confirmed Chakaravarthy's availability. Varun is in. "Varun is fit," said Rahane after losing the toss to Gujarat Titans Shubman Gill. So far, the Tamil Nadu spinner has taken 10 wickets in eight matches so far with a best of 3/14.

“We've been playing really good cricket, those five games, the guys are taking very good confidence, the positives from the last game. It's just very simple for us now. It's one game at a time, win this, and looking up for the next two games. We were looking to field as wellm” Rahane added.

Earlier on Friday, the franchise confirmed that Chakaravarthy has resumed bowling in the nets, marking a positive step in his recovery process. “He bowled in the nets today at Eden Gardens,” the KKR statement read. "The medical team and coaching staff are keeping a close eye on his progress and availability for tomorrow," it added further.

KKR's playoffs qualification scenarios

With just nine points on 11 matches so far, KKR have three games left and need to win all their remaining games for a place in the playoffs. Winning all the remaining games, it would take KKR to a maximum 15 points. KKR's one match against Punjab Kings ended in no result and currently hold a net run rate (NRR) of -0.198.

KKR announce release of Rachin Ravindra

Meanwhile, the three-time champions have also released New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who has returned home to begin preparations for the upcoming Test tour of England. In an official update, KKR said Ravindra has left the squad to focus on red-ball commitments with New Zealand.

"Rachin Ravindra has returned home to begin his red-ball preparations for New Zealand's upcoming Test tour to England," the franchise stated.

Catch the live updates from IPL 2026 with the complete IPL 2026 Schedule and the IPL 2026 Points Table. Also, know who are currently leading the charts in IPL 2026 Orange Cap and IPL 2026 Purple Cap.