Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has landed in hot water following a breach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Code of Conduct during a thrilling encounter against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday.Â
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has imposed a 25 per cent fine on his match fees and slapped him with one demerit point for actions deemed unsportsmanlike in the IPL 2025 clash.
The incident occurred during CSK’s chase of 180 runs, when Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed explosive batter Dewald Brevis in the 13th over after he raced to a 25-ball 52. After claiming the wicket, the KKR spinner gave Brevis a send-off.Â
This action violated Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which prohibits language, gestures, or actions that could provoke an aggressive reaction. The IPL’s official statement confirmed that Chakaravarthy admitted to the Level 1 offense and accepted the match referee’s sanction, making the decision final and binding.
"Varun Chakaravarthy, Bowler, Kolkata Knight Riders has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees and has also accumulated One Demerit Point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team’s match against Chennai Super Kings at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday," the IPL press release read.
"Varun Chakaravarthy admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding," it added.
Chakaravarthy, a key cog in KKR’s spin-heavy attack, has been a standout performer this season, climbing to fifth in the Purple Cap race with 17 wickets at an economy-rate of seven. His ability to choke opposition batters in the middle-overs has been vital for KKR, who are led by new captain Ajinkya Rahane in IPL 2025.
KKR Unlikely to Make IPL 2025 Playoffs After CSK DefeatÂ
Despite Chakaravarthy’s economical spell of 2/18 in four overs, KKR could not defend their total of 179 runs as CSK clinched a dramatic two-wicket victory, thanks to a disciplined four-wicket haul by Noor Ahmad and Brevis’ swashbuckling knock.Â
The loss has left KKR with 11 points after 12 games as they are now teetering on the edge of elimination from the playoff race. The Kolkata-based franchise can now only reach 15 points at maximum, which most likely will not be enough for a top-four finish.
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