IPL 2026: Is Varun Chakravarthy playing in CSK vs KKR Match 22?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match No. 22 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on April 14 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. CSK head into this contest placed ninth on the points table with just two points, while KKR are currently at the bottom with one point, making this a crucial clash for both sides as they look to revive their campaigns.

CSK vs KKR: Toss Update

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to bowl first. He reflected on the previous match, emphasizing the importance of maintaining belief within the team. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad noted that the pitch had not changed significantly. He added that the team aims to post a big total, although the surface appears to be a bit challenging.

CSK vs KKR: Varun Chakravarthy in, Navdeep Saini out

Kolkata Knight Riders have brought back Varun Chakravarthy into the playing XI, replacing Navdeep Saini. Varun returns after missing two matches due to an injury he sustained during the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and will be playing at his home ground. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have opted to stick with the same playing XI following their victory over Delhi Capitals.

CSK vs KKR: What did the captains say?

Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK Captain

Yes, we would have bowled first as well. But as I said, you know, The wicket hasn’t changed much throughout the course of the game. So not much of a difference. Definitely putting a big total on the scoreboard first innings will be challenging, but as I said, you know, it looks a really good surface. Yes, as I said, even in the post-match as well, I felt the bowling was really good defending 210, you know, against a strong DC side. Gave us a lot of confidence and you know, even the fielding unit was charged up. We saved a few runs and that is how I think collectively we did really well. Really exciting today as well.

Ajinkya Rahane, KKR Captain

Looking to bowl first. I think the last game was really good for us. Unfortunately, the result didn’t go our way. But I thought the kind of cricket we played, guys are getting that confidence from the last game. It’s all about starting fresh. It’s important when things are not going your way, it’s important to have that belief, stay positive and having those small, small moments in T20 format is really important. So, now looking forward to this game, we’ll start off really well with the ball and then look to chase down the target. Yes, absolutely. The kind of knock Mukul played at the night was fantastic. I mean, it’s going to happen in this format. As I said, it’s all about belief. You know, guys are working really hard. For us, what matters is, putting those hard efforts, focusing on the control levels as players and, you know, having that belief in each and every individual. As I said, the combination looked really good for us in the last game. So, yeah, thinking about this game and just wanted to be in the moment. I mean, it is challenging after the mega auction to find the right balance and obviously the flow players are going through the injuries, players are unavailable. Tonight, just one change for us. Varun Chakaravarthy is fit. He’s come in in place of Navdeep Saini.

CSK vs KKR: Playing XIs

Chennai Super Kings

Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Khaleel Ahmed

Impact Players: Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Matt Henry

Kolkata Knight Riders

Ajinkya Rahane(c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi

Impact Players:  Finn Allen, Manish Pandey, Tejasvi Dahiya, Tim Seifert, Navdeep Saini