IPL 2026: Explained – Why Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy are not playing today’s match for KKR against Punjab Kings?

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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were dealt a double setback ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens, as two of their key bowlers – Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy – were ruled out of the match. The absence of these experienced players immediately caught the attention of fans, especially given their importance to KKR’s bowling attack.

At the toss, captain Ajinkya Rahane confirmed the reasons behind the changes. While Chakravarthy is sidelined due to an injury, Narine has been ruled out because of illness. These were not tactical decisions but forced changes that the team had to deal with on match day.

Rahane explained, “Two changes, forced changes. Varun Chakaravarthy unfortunately got injured taking a catch in the last game and Sunil Narine is sick. [Rovman] Powell and [Navdeep] Saini are in.”

Chakravarthy’s injury reportedly occurred during the previous match when he hurt himself while attempting a catch. Given his role as one of KKR’s most reliable spinners, his absence leaves a noticeable gap in the middle overs. Narine’s unavailability due to illness further compounds the issue, as he not only contributes with the ball but also provides flexibility with the bat.

Despite these setbacks, Rahane appeared confident about his team’s mindset and preparation. Winning the toss, KKR opted to bat first, with the skipper explaining his reasoning based on the pitch conditions.

“We are going to bat first. Looks a good wicket, little bit on the drier side but it’s a very good wicket and slightly less covering of grass as well. That’s the reason to put the runs on the board first,” Rahane said.

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer(c), Cooper Connolly, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Also READ: KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2026 – Eden Gardens Pitch Report and Kolkata Weather Forecast

On the other side, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer had no complaints about losing the toss. In fact, he seemed comfortable with the situation and backed his team to perform regardless of conditions.

“Not at all, I was supposed to bowl as well. So kind of happy with the decision he took,” Iyer said.

He also spoke about his working relationship with head coach Ricky Ponting, praising the freedom and confidence given to players under his leadership.

“Our chemistry blossomed right from Delhi Capitals days. And he’s someone who gives all the sort of liberty and freedom to youngsters in the team. And the inspiration that he is himself, he has played brilliant cricket over the years. And we’ve looked upon him as one of the best cricketers in the world. So yeah, working beside him, it’s a phenomenal feeling. And under him at the same time at Punjab Kings, we know he’s got a plethora of ideas. So, I personally feel that it’s a blessing in disguise,” he explained.

Punjab Kings, in contrast to KKR, went into the match with an unchanged playing XI, signaling stability in their approach.

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Navdeep Saini, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi.

Also READ: KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2026 Match Prediction – Who will win today’s game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings?