Varun Chakravarthy’s dip in form has started to raise questions within Kolkata Knight Riders’ campaign, but head coach Abhishek Nayar has made it clear that the franchise continues to back their mystery spinner. Despite a run of underwhelming performances, Nayar remains confident that Chakravarthy will find his rhythm again.

The struggles have been visible across formats, with opposition teams increasingly taking him on during crucial phases. However, speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of KKR’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Nayar insisted that the spinner is mentally in a strong space and well-equipped to navigate this phase.

“Over the years, he's gone through a lot of adversity. As a franchise, as a support staff, we back him. I don't think there's any issue. But yes, teams are playing him well. It doesn't mean he can't come back. It just means it's another challenge in his life, like he's had before," Nayar said.

“We are trying and we are hoping, and in every way backing him. I hope the fans of the world do too. Whether it's this game or in the future, it's inevitable that he will bounce back like he has in the past. I honestly believe mentally he's in a very good space — actually in a better space than he's been in previous years," he added.

Chakravarthy’s recent outings, however, reflect the challenges he is currently facing. After a difficult start to the IPL against Mumbai Indians, where Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton took him apart for 0 for 48, the pressure around his role has only grown. Even in the subsequent game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he was tested in the middle overs as batters looked to disrupt his control early.

WHAT HAS GONE WRONG WITH VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY?

A closer look at Chakravarthy’s recent numbers highlights the dip. During the T20 World Cup, he went at an economy rate of 9.24, even though he finished with 14 wickets, joint-highest alongside Jasprit Bumrah. His struggles were particularly evident against South Africa, where he conceded 47 runs in a heavy defeat.

A key factor behind this phase has been the way opposition teams are approaching him. Once considered difficult to decode, Chakravarthy is now being targeted more proactively, especially in the middle overs where teams aim to break momentum.

The weight of expectations has also increased following his performances for India. With batters now better prepared for his variations, the margin for error has reduced significantly, leaving him exposed in high-pressure situations where even minor inaccuracies are punished.

“Yes, he's accomplished a lot over the past year, which has increased expectations. Everyone always knew Varun Chakravarthy is a terrific bowler, but the expectation has grown because of what he's done for India. Varun bowls in phases where he's always going to be challenged. As an opposition, if you're planning against KKR, you're going to try and take him down," Nayar said.

“There will be times when teams succeed and times when they don't. As a player, he understands that. If he picks up wickets in those phases, he becomes a completely different bowler," he added.

Despite the dip, KKR’s approach has remained consistent. The team continues to use Chakravarthy in demanding phases rather than shielding him, trusting his ability to deliver breakthroughs under pressure.

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