I need to start afresh, says Varun

Varun Chakaravarthy prepares for IPL challenge against RCB, KKR aims to defend title with strong squad.

Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Varun Chakaravarthy understands that the Champions Trophy glory is behind him and he must start afresh against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday.

Varun said he needed to start from zero. “I did well in the last tournament but IPL is a different ball game and it’s a different beast,” he said at the pre-match press conference here on Friday.

Varun, always looking to learn from his spin partner Sunil Narine, said he worked on variations during domestic matches. “Last year it worked, before that it didn’t work much. I do have a few balls up my sleeve but it all depends on how it’s going to come out of my hand.”

KKR, with some fine foreigners and reliable core, would look to defend its title, he added.

According to Varun, the new rule allowing the change of ball in the second innings might help the spinners in the middle overs.

Looking forward to a great start, RCB coach Andy Flower said some leaders in the side, including Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Josh Hazelwood and Krunal Pandya, would assist new captain Rajat Patidar.

“A lot of these guys have captained state sides, IPL teams and international teams. Having influential people in your squad, guys that have performed at the top level gives him a level of confidence,” he said.