Why did Varun Chakravarthy & Blessing Muzarabani miss KKR vs LSG clash of IPL 2026?
KKR look for a comeback against LSG at Eden Gardens.
Kolkata Knight Riders are locking horns with Lucknow Super Giants in the 15th match of the Indian Premier League 2026 at Eden Gardens. KKR are currently under pressure. They are yet to win a match this season. Their last game against the Punjab Kings was abandoned due to rain. That gave them just one point.
The team had a poor start in that match as well. They lost two early wickets. The batting unit has not looked confident so far. Captain Ajinkya Rahane wants his players to stay calm and focus on the basics.
Lucknow Super Giants have also had a slow start. But they have at least opened their account. This makes the clash at Eden Gardens very important for both teams. Kolkata will be desperate to bounce back at home. In Match 15 of IPL 2026, LSG captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to bowl first.
Why did Varun and Blessing miss the match vs LSG
Kolkata Knight Riders made a couple of changes for this match. Two key bowlers were not part of the playing XI against Lucknow. Varun Chakravarthy missed out due to a hand injury. The spinner is still recovering and was not fit to play.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani also did not feature in this game. He was left out to adjust the team combination. KKR brought back Sunil Narine into the side. Narine had missed the previous match as he was unwell.
The team management wanted more balance in the lineup. With Narine available, Kolkata preferred his experience. This meant Muzarabani had to sit out for this match. The change also helped strengthen their spin attack.
Skipper Ajinkya Rahane at the toss said, “We wanted to bowl. (I’m thinking back to the previous game, actually, that’s why I asked that) That match didn’t get over, so you never know. Just one change – Sunil comes in place of Blessing, Varun is still recovering from his hand injury. When he (Green) is allowed to bowl, we will probably see him, the combination gets better, so Rovman Powell plays, when Cam Green bowls, then we have that extra bowler with us.”
KKR are still working on their best combination this season. Injuries and availability have made things difficult. But the team hopes that these changes will yield better results.
Why did Varun Chakravarthy miss the match?
He missed the game due to a hand injury.
Why was Blessing Muzarabani not playing?
He was left out to balance the team after Sunil Narine returned.
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Ishika Aggarwal is a passionate sports writer and lifelong cricket fan who thrives on capturing the moments that make the game unforgettable, from last-over thrillers to record-breaking centuries. Through match analysis, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes stories, she brings fans closer to the heartbeat of cricket.