IPL 2025: Chakaravarthy Aims to Shine Against Kohli in KKR-RCB Clash
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Synopsis
Kolkata Knight Riders will start their IPL 2025 season against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with spinner Varun Chakaravarthy looking to build on his recent success in international cricket and face off against Virat Kohli.
Key Takeaways
- Varun Chakaravarthy aims to leverage his international form in IPL 2025.
- The spinner acknowledges the unique challenges of IPL compared to international cricket.
- Chakaravarthy is excited to face Virat Kohli in the opening match.
- He emphasizes a fresh mindset despite being defending champions.
- KKR's squad has been strengthened with various international talents.
Kolkata, March 21 (NationPress) The reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will kick off their IPL 2025 journey against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens on Saturday. Star spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is eager to translate his recent international success into the tournament.
After an outstanding showing in the ICC Champions Trophy, where he claimed nine wickets in three games, Chakaravarthy recognized the unique challenges posed by the IPL compared to international cricket.
"Confidence is crucial, but as with every new tournament, even if you were victorious in the last one, you must start anew. The IPL has its own dynamics and is a different challenge altogether. I am fully aware of what lies ahead," Chakaravarthy stated during the pre-match media briefing.
Known for his diverse bowling styles, the spinner has been honing new deliveries. "Whenever I participate in domestic matches, I focus on developing a new delivery," he shared, keeping fans guessing about what they might see this season.
When questioned about maintaining his element of surprise despite advancements in technology and video analysis, Chakaravarthy provided an insightful perspective. "A ball can only move in three ways - it can veer left, right, or go straight. It all depends on how I choose to sequence my deliveries, whether I opt for off-spin or leg-spin. This is where the tactical aspect of the game plays a role, and I am continuously working to enhance that," he explained.
With recent changes in the coaching staff, the spinner is optimistic about what lies ahead. "Based on my discussions with the new team, it has been absolutely fantastic. We are all eager to start our campaign," he added.
Chakaravarthy expressed particular enthusiasm about the opportunity to face Virat Kohli in the opening match. "I am certainly looking forward to competing against Virat. He has performed exceptionally well against me, and I aim to excel against him as well," he remarked.
He also praised his teammate Sunil Narine, stating, "He is a legend of the sport, one of the all-time greats. We've had several discussions this year, and he appears to be in excellent shape. He is ready to tackle the IPL just like he did last season."
Despite their status as defending champions, Chakaravarthy stressed the importance of approaching each match with a clean slate. "If you recall, we experienced both the largest victory and the heaviest loss. This indicates that every match is unique. As experts suggest, it’s vital to treat this as a new tournament and start from the beginning," he remarked.
KKR has bolstered their lineup with numerous international stars ahead of this season. Sharing his views on his new teammates, he stated, "We are aiming to defend our title this year. We possess a fantastic squad with exceptional batters like Quinton de Kock, and top bowlers such as Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson, Moeen Ali, and Rovman Powell. This international core will be vital," Chakaravarthy concluded.
