Varun Chakravarthy excited to face Virat Kohli in IPL opener
What's the story
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) key player, Varun Chakravarthy is excited to come up against Virat Kohli in the Indian Premier League season opener.
KKR are up against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens.
Apart from speaking about the match-up, Varun said KKR are looking to defend the title.
"We will look to defend [the title] and we have a great squad and great batsmen too," Varun said in a press conference on Friday.
Here's more.
Player rivalry
Varun's strategy against Kohli
As KKR gears up to take on RCB, Varun revealed he wants to get the better of Virat Kohli.
Although he has dismissed Kohli just once in their seven meetings, Varun is hopeful about the match.
"I've done just the same preparation I did last year," he said. "Definitely excited to be coming up against Virat _bhai_. Obviously, he has batted well against me and I would want to do well against him."
Season outlook
Varun's thoughts on IPL 2025 and RCB
Varun also acknowledged the unpredictability of the IPL, saying, "Every match is different in the IPL."
He also highlighted KKR's new international players: Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson, Moeen Ali, and Roman Powell.
Despite having a successful previous season as the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024, Varun stressed that past achievements are behind them.
"As experts say, you have to take it as a new tournament and start from scratch," he said.
Strategy
Varun's tactical approach for IPL 2025
While Varun isn't spilling the beans on his new strategies, he hinted at having fresh tactics up his sleeve.
He stressed that success isn't just about having variations, but also about the "sequencing of his deliveries."
"Whenever I play some domestic, I try to work something new. Every year I try to bowl something new," he said.
"Basically, the ball can deviate in three ways: left, right or straight. So how I choose those balls, the sequencing of it - that's where the tactical side of the game comes and that's what I'm working on."
Team dynamics
Varun's partnership with Sunil Narine
Varun is also excited to resume his bowling partnership with Sunil Narine, who was retained ahead of the auction. Together, they took 38 wickets last season.
"I don't have to compliment him," Varun said. "He is a legend of the game. One of the greats of the game."
Varun is confident of their teamwork as they prepare for IPL 2025 together.