Long awaited IPL 2026 encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally it started after a short delay caused by the rain and wet field. While the weather threatened to halt the race in Raipur, the ground staff worked quickly to ensure conditions improved in time for the match. Fortunately for both the teams and the fans, no overs were lost, allowing the game to continue as a full contest.
With the play-off pressure on, both sides went into the clash knowing the importance of securing two valuable points. KKR came into the game on the back of four straight wins, while RCB looked to strengthen their position in the points table.
Why is Varun Chakraborty not playing in today’s match?
Kolkata Knight Riders received a big blow before the game after the star spinner Varun Chakraborty was ruled out due to injury. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane confirmed the development during the innings and admitted that the mystery spinner has struggled physically in the last few matches.
“Varun Chakravarthy unfortunately misses out with a nagging injury” Rahane said during the toss.
The spinner was reportedly spotted with an armband during a recent training session, which has already caused concern among supporters. Although the franchise did not disclose the exact nature of the injury, the KKR management decided not to risk one of their key bowlers at such a crucial stage of the tournament.
Varun has been instrumental in KKR’s revival this season with his wicketkeeping skills and economical average. His absence could significantly affect Kolkata’s bowling plans, especially on a surface that is expected to help the slow bowlers.
Young pacer Saurabh Dubey presented his debut cap
With Varun unavailable for selection, Kolkata Knight Riders handed the young pacer his debut cap. Saurabh Dubey. In one of the most important games of the franchise’s campaign, it showed faith in the fast bowler that didn’t materialise.
Dubey’s inclusion adds new pace to the KKR bowling attack and presents him with a golden opportunity to make an immediate impact at the IPL stage. Kolkata often rely on young Indian talent in pressure situations and the team management will now hope that the youngster rises to the occasion.
Fans will also want to see how the debutant tackles the bowling. Virat Kohli and Tim David.
Also READ: Preity Zinta slams fake stories during Punjab Kings’ misguided campaign in IPL 2026
The 11th of both teams is playing
Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Finn Allen, Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (w), Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (w), Tim David, Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood.
Also READ: Chennai Super Kings have announced the replacement for the injured Ramakrishna Ghosh in IPL 2026.
