IPL 2026: Why are Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy not playing today in KKR vs PBKS clash?

In the 12th game of the IPL 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders are hosting the Punjab Kings (KKR vs PBKS), as it is the battle between the three-time IPL champions vs the two-time IPL runners-up. However, KKR have suffered huge blows for the game, as their two main spinners, Caribbean star Sunil Narine and Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy are not featuring in the match. 

Kolkata Knight Riders are under pressure, as the three-time IPL champions have lost their first two matches of the IPL 2026. After starting the season with a six-wicket defeat against the hosts Mumbai Indians, SunRisers Hyderabad thrashed the KKR in Kolkata. So, KKR must need a win to gain confidence, as early damage with no win in three games can massively hamper the team's final status in the season. 

Eden Gardens in Kolkata is hosting this KKR vs PBKS match on Monday night (April 6). After winning the toss, the home captain Ajinkya Rahane chose to bat first, as he felt that the pitch was drier. It means that the spinners can play important roles, especially in the second innings of the match. However, KKR are missing both of their important spinners, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, for the match.  

See Also: Watch: IPL 2026: Xavier Bartlett's double-wicket over dents KKR against PBKS

Why is Sunil Narine not playing in KKR vs PBKS match?

Sunil Narine is not well, as the Caribbean off-spinner is missing the KKR vs PBKS match. At the toss, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane clarified that the West Indies cricketer was sick, as he is not playing the fixture.

Why is Varun Chakaravarthy not playing in KKR vs PBKS match?

On the other hand, the Indian leggie Varun Chakaravarthy was injured while going for a catch in their last game against SRH. During the toss, the KKR skipper confirmed that the Indian player is injured to miss this crucial fixture.