KKR assistant coach Watson gives update on Varun Chakaravarthy, Matheesha Pathirana

With no wins in its first six games, Kolkata Knight Riders looked to be headed for a fight to avoid the wooden spoon in IPL 2026. But four wins in a row have brought the franchise’s Playoffs charge back to life.

Ahead of the contest against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur, assistant coach Shane Watson said it was expected that the team would need some bedding-in time after significant changes to its squad from last year.

“It was always going to take a bit of time to work out where everyone was going to fit into the squad, because there was quite a bit of turnover from last season with the players we got at the auction. And now that things have come together very nicely, our batting order is much more settled, we’ve got more of an understanding of what really works for us with the make-up of our complete team,” Watson told reporters.

“The conversations have just been [about] continual learning and development from every batter. In that last game [against DC], we ticked every box, and that’s what we’re chasing, to be able to try and play those complete games,” he added.

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Ace spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who has regained his mojo in the second part of the season, was seen wearing a protective boot in visuals on social media. Watson said the bowler was playing through some discomfort and is being monitored closely by the team.

“He was a bit sore in the second last game and was in a lot of pain in the last one, even though he’s still bowling incredibly well. We’ve got our fingers crossed that he’ll be available for tomorrow, but we’re just not exactly sure,” the coach said.

He also provided an update on Matheesha Pathirana, who hasn’t yet played a game since joining the squad mid-April. “Pathirana continues to push his case. He’s fit and ready to go. But, with the way our team’s been set up, it’s been hard for him to get into the playing 11 or 12. To be able to know that a player of that calibre is ready to make his mark gives our group a lot of confidence,” he said.

Watson also explained that he was enjoying working with Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who was snapped up by KKR at the auction for Rs. 25.20 crore ahead of the season.

“It is always challenging for people who come with a very high price tag. It’s something that Cameron has experienced in the past as well. If you really look at his professional cricket career, he hasn’t played a lot of T20 cricket. I am just loving every minute of having the chance to be able to guide him and help him get the very best out of himself as a cricketer,” the Australian said.

Published on May 12, 2026