IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan questions Rahane’s call to use Varun Chakravarthy early against SRH

Kolkata: Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan believes Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane 'messed up' by giving Varun Chakravarthy an over inside the power-play against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday in Kolkata.

Chakravarthy conceded 25 runs while bowling the fifth over of the innings. He did not bowl his full quota of four overs, as he gave away 31 runs and bowled just one dot in his 12 deliveries.

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Pathan emphasised the crucial role of a captain in boosting a bowler's confidence, arguing that leadership involves supporting bowlers when they have momentum, and criticised Rahane's decision to use Chakravarthy in the powerplay.

"You are giving him the tough job as a captain. So, this is where Ajinkya Rahane did really well in the second half, but first half, literally messed it up with Varun Chakravarthy by bowling him in the powerplay," Pathan said as per ESPNcricinfo.

"Captain plays a big role in getting your confidence up as a bowler. If he doesn't support you in a moment where you think you can do better and you have got the momentum, this is where the leadership comes in. And this is why he should not have bowled in the power play. You are losing on a bowler, you know, who can be your trump card, who can be your match-winner, who has been your match-winner," he added.

In KKR's IPL 2026 opener against the Mumbai Indians, Chakravarthy bowled the fifth over and conceded 15 runs in that. He finished with none for 48 from his four.

Also Read: IPL 2026: 'They are jealous from success I got': Rahane lambasts critics for 'certain agenda' against his batting after defeat to SRH

Chakravarthy, in his last six games before the one against SRH, at the World Cup and then against MI, conceded 273 runs in 23 overs, leaving him with an economy of 11.86, the worst for any bowler across a six-match streak (for a minimum of 20 overs) in men's T20S.

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.

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.