Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been penalized for breaching the IPL’s Code of Conduct during Wednesday’s match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Eden Gardens. The right-arm spinner was fined 25% of his match fee and handed one demerit point.
While the IPL did not specify the exact incident, it stated that Varun was found guilty of a Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 of the Code of Conduct. This clause refers to using language, actions, or gestures after a batter’s dismissal that could provoke an aggressive reaction from the dismissed player.
The incident reportedly occurred after Varun dismissed Dewald Brevis, following which he gestured for the batter to leave the field—a form of celebration that falls under this offense.
For Level 1 violations, the match referee’s decision is final and binding.
Brevis had earlier scored a quick 52 off 25 balls, giving CSK a strong platform. Though Varun bowled economically—taking 2 wickets for just 18 runs in his four overs—KKR failed to defend their total of 179 runs.
KKR now sits sixth on the points table with 11 points from 12 matches. The defending champions are on the brink of elimination from the playoff race. Their final two league games will be away fixtures: against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 10 and Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 17.
UA / TDS
