Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane has revealed that the decision to continue playing mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy despite a fractured left toe was made only after medical clearance from the team and BCCI physios. Chakaravarthy sustained a hairline fracture earlier this month during KKR’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad when a powerful shot from Ishan Kishan struck his shoe. The spinner has already battled two finger fractures on his non-bowling hand this season.

Rahane said the franchise relied entirely on the advice of medical experts, while he focused mainly on the player’s mindset and willingness to play. He added that the physios were confident the injury would not worsen. As a centrally contracted India player, Chakaravarthy’s rehabilitation and match fitness were monitored closely through coordination between KKR’s medical unit, the BCCI Centre of Excellence and the Indian team support staff.