Mumbai Indians they started IPL 2026 campaign with great victory Kolkata Knight Riders successfully chased down the awesome target of 221 runs at the iconic Wankhede Stadium with astonishing ease. What was expected to be a tightly contested contest turned out to be a one-sided affair as MI’s batting gave KKR a tough start to the season.
The chase was led by a blistering opening stand Rohit Sharmawhose aggressive approach on the power play set the tone early. With contributions from the top order, Mumbai Indians won in just 19.1 overs, losing just four wickets in the process. However, amid KKR’s disappointing bowling display, one player who came under intense scrutiny was their mystery spinner. Varun Chakraborty.
Kris Srikkanth criticizes Varun Chakaravarthy’s disappointing show against Mumbai Indians
Former Indian captain Chris Srikanth He did not hold back in praising Chakaravarthy’s performance, openly criticizing the spinner for his ineffective bowling and variety. Speaking on his YouTube channel after the match, Srikkanth pointed out that Varu’s over-reliance on googlies made him predictable in the eyes of modern batsmen. He stressed the importance of the spinner reinventing his leg and bringing more variation to his game.
According to Srikkanth, Varu’s ‘mystery’ factor has gone down significantly, making it easier for his hitters to read him. He added that unless the spinner evolves and develops a fuller range of deliveries, he can continue to struggle at the highest level. The criticism comes after a disappointing outing in which Varu conceded 48 runs without taking a wicket – figures that proved costly in a high-scoring encounter.
“Unless Varun Chakraborty learns spin and leg spin, he will struggle. Just bowling won’t last all the time. He needs to get some variations and keep leg spin. There is no mystery with him anymore. Your mystery is history,” Srikkanth said.
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Powerplay gamble backfires against Rohit Sharma
Srikkanth also questioned KKR’s tactical decision to introduce Chakaravarthy during the powerplay, especially against Rohit’s caliber batting. The move backfired almost immediately as Rohit picked up his spinner, hit boundaries and seized momentum. The former India captain feels that Varun’s bowling at the start of the innings shook his confidence. Once under pressure, the spinner lost control and resorted to quicker deliveries, which played into the hands of the Mumbai batsmen. Srikkanth emphasized that spinners like Varun are more effective when they work off power, where they can rely on deception rather than pace.
“Spin your leg and take the ball away from the batsmen. Then the batsmen will fear you. First, the ball should not be given to him in the powerplay. Rohit Sharma completed the game on his own in the powerplay. Varun Chakraborty’s confidence got the better of him there and after that he started bowling fast.” Srikkanth added.
Chakaravarthi’s struggle is not limited to this match. The spinner has endured a difficult run in recent months, including a difficult stage in the second half of the race. T20 World Cup 2026Despite India eventually lifting the trophy.
