Varun Chakarvarthy, playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 on May 16, 2026, has triggered the debate of country versus club. Chakravarthy bowled his full quota of four overs, despite reportedly carrying a hairline fracture in his left foot.
Instead of resting his foot, Chakaravarthy was seen hobbling in pain, and bowling for KKR has not gone down well with fans. A BCCI official has slammed the franchise for choosing to play him. This is even though India is set to play seven T20Is in Dublin and across England next month.
"I know for a fact that the KKR physio is in touch with the Team India physio (Kamlesh Jain). There has been communication from KKR to BCCI that in a previous match, Varun injured his left foot while saving a boundary. It is understood that he has a hairline fracture. I believe that as a centrally contracted player of the BCCI, his fitness is paramount, and the BCCI medical team could intervene. Jain might be asked as to what the input from the KKR medical team was," a senior BCCI official told PTI.
Chakravarthy was part of India’s ICC Champions Trophy win, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll be picked for the Afghanistan ODIs next month. He is usually a T20I bowler, and he is doubtful to get fit in time for the UK tour.
However, why the player continued to bowl when he was clearly uncomfortable returning to his run-up is questioned. He managed just three dot balls and conceded 47 runs in four wicketless overs.
"If Varun was rested against RCB in the last game because of his foot injury, it is imperative to know how he couldn't make it for that game (on May 13) after a four-day break (vs DC on May 8) but played on Saturday. Yes, KKR's campaign is on the line, but can the BCCI allow franchises this kind of indiscretion? A player would want to play through pain, but is that a fair thing?" the official questioned.
It remains to be seen whether KKR plays Varun in their next two league games, against the Mumbai Indians (May 20) and the Delhi Capitals (May 24) at the Eden Gardens.
(PTI inputs)
