Data Shorts: Varun CV's return to form inspires KKR's late revival

Following a winless run in their first six matches, KKR's IPL 2026 campaign has been revived courtesy of three consecutive wins. At the core of their recent success has been the spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, combining for 13 wickets at a strike-rate of 11.07 and an economy of 6.8 across their last three outings. Their clinical win over SRH on Sunday saw the duo bundle out the hosts for 165 after they were strongly placed at 105/1 in the ninth over.

Varun and Narine's combined returns for KKR in the IPL since 2023

Varun's return to form has been a welcome boost, after an underwhelming start to the campaign and in national colours earlier in the year. Excluding matches against Associate teams at the T20 World Cup, Varun had 11 wickets in nine T20Is for India since January at an economy of 10.29. Across his first three IPL 2026 outings, he returned 0/105 in nine overs, while also missing two games with a wrist injury. Thereafter, he has bagged 10 wickets at an economy of 7.31; eight in the three wins, winning Player of the Match in two.

The timing of his introduction to the attack has influenced returns. His powerplay numbers for India in T20Is across 2024-2025 were impressive: eight wickets at 16.25 (ER: 6.84), but dipped in 2026: three wickets at 22.33 (ER: 9.57). Across his first two IPL 2026 outings, he returned 0/40 in two overs with the new ball. Since his comeback, the earliest he has been introduced is the eighth over, with 15 of 16 overs delivered in the middle-phase.

Against RR, he displayed immaculate control, his 3/14 featuring 2/7 off 14 deliveries at a good length, all wickets coming at 96-99 kmph. Against LSG, reactive bowling paid dividends. Having conceded a six to Nicholas Pooran, he shortened his length and pushed it wider to have him caught at short third-man. Badoni, whose go-to shot against spin is the lofted drive over extra cover, was cramped from round the wicket.

His first two overs against SRH went for 29 but included the key wicket of Travis Head (61 off 28). Having been hit for a six, Varun cramped him for room, upping his speed by 10.6 kmph (104.8) to have him caught at deep mid-wicket. Ten googlies in his first two overs cost 24, while just two came off nine in the latter two, including the wicket of Smaran Ravichandran, beaten by length at 92.7 kmph.

In a tournament where the top-order has been decisive, KKR's batting struggles are apparent. Their combined top-order average of 21.65 is the lowest among the 10 teams, with a strike-rate of 141.45, well below the tournament aggregate of 34.36 and 166.62 respectively. Amidst that, their spin twins offer a glimmer of hope as the tournament nears its business end.