Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) may have a new captain and a revamped coaching staff, but defending their IPL title remains a strong possibility. That’s the belief of Varun Chakravarthy, who, on the eve of their IPL 2025 campaign opener, emphasized that last season’s success is now history.
“We are looking to defend the title, and we have a great squad with strong batsmen,” Varun said in Kolkata. “We’ve added Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson, Moeen Ali, and Rovman Powell, strengthening our international core this time.”
Reflecting on KKR’s 2024 season, Varun acknowledged their dominant victories but also noted their heavy defeats. “Every match is different in the IPL. As experts say, you have to treat it as a new tournament and start from scratch.”
A key battle in the opening match will be against Virat Kohli, and Varun is eager for the challenge. In seven IPL innings, he has contained Kohli to just 40 runs off 39 balls but has dismissed him only once. While he’s done his homework on Kohli, his preparations extend to the entire RCB squad.
“I’ve followed the same preparation as last year,” he said. “I’m definitely excited to bowl to Virat bhai. He has played well against me, and I want to do well against him.”
Varun is aware that no team in the IPL can be taken lightly. “Every team is strong in this tournament. RCB is a quality side, but we’ve done our homework. I have done my homework too.”
Without revealing details, Varun hinted at new variations in his arsenal. However, he stressed that mere variations aren’t enough—it’s the sequencing of deliveries that matters most. “Whenever I play domestic cricket, I try to develop something new. Last year, it worked; in previous seasons, it didn’t. I have a few deliveries up my sleeve, but execution depends on other factors.”
“The ball can only deviate three ways—left, right, or straight. How I choose and sequence those deliveries is the real tactical challenge, and that’s what I’m working on.”
Varun is also open to bowling at any stage of the game, as per his captain’s plan. “I have bowled in the powerplay, middle overs, and at the death. Our new captain has spoken to me about my role, and I have shared my inputs as well.”
He is particularly excited to reunite with Sunil Narine, with whom he formed a formidable bowling duo last season, sharing 38 wickets.
“I don’t need to compliment him—he’s a legend of the game, one of the greats. He was the MVP last year, and we’ve had a brief conversation about this season. He looks well-prepared and ready to dominate the IPL again. I’m excited to see him in action and to learn from him.”
