IPL 2021: KKR’s Varun Chakravarthy, Kamlesh Nagarkoti to clear fitness test at NCA

With the second leg of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 being just a month away, all teams are busy finalizing their plans and strategies. The tournament will resume on September 19 with all the remaining matches taking place in UAE. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) indeed have a daunting task lying ahead of them as they suffered a horrendous campaign earlier this year.

With just two wins in seven outings, the two-time champions were reeling at the penultimate position in the team standings at the time of season suspension. Hence, a couple of more defeats could officially end their hopes of qualifying for the hopes. As if this challenge wasn’t enough, some unpleasant piece of news has hit the KKR camp ahead of the season.

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti are yet to receive a green signal from National Cricket Academy (NCA) before flying to UAE. With the duo have being prone to injuries in the past, they’ll have to clear the fitness test at NCA to feature in the remaining matches.

Varun Chakravarthy, Kamlesh Nagarkoti to prove fitness at NCA

“Yes, Chakravarthy and Nagarkoti are here at the NCA doing their rehab cum fitness routines. I guess once NCA gives them the fit certificate, they will be flying with the rest of the KKR team to the UAE. (Shubman) Gill is still training here,” Insidesport quoted a source as per saying.

Meanwhile, KKR also received some sense of respite with Shubman Gill set to feature in the UAE leg. The young opener sustained a leg injury during India’s ongoing tour of England. Subsequently, he was called back midway and his participation in IPL was also under dark clouds. However, the latest development suggests that Gill has recovered and will be flying with his KKR teammates to the Arab nation.

“Gill is in the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and has recovered from his shin pain. He will be departing for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) soon for the IPL. He has been at the NCA for a week now,” Insidesport Sport quoted another source. Meanwhile, KKR will resume their campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on September 20 in Abu Dhabi.