India, May 13 -- Varun Chakaravarthy misses Kolkata Knight Riders' crucial IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur, leaving the three-time champions without one of their most important bowlers in a must-win game.

Left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey replaces him in the combination as KKR deal with a major injury blow at a decisive stage of their campaign. During the toss, Ajinkya Rahane confirmed the development, "Varun Chakarvarthy misses out, with a niggle. Saurabh Dubey comes in."

Varun Chakaravarthy had been under a fitness cloud since KKR's previous match against Delhi Capitals, where he appeared to struggle physically during the final phase of his spell. The concern deepened after visuals emerged of the mystery spinne...