Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu has boldly claimed that “mystery spinners” are overrated, as he indirectly launched a scathing attack on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner Varun Chakravarthy for his flop performances so far in the ongoing IPL 2026.
The mystery spinners were once seen as the deadly weapons in T20 cricket, but their impact has been questioned lately. And Rayudu has now raised serious doubts over the value of so-called mystery spinners in the IPL, amidst the struggle of Varun Chakravarthy this season.
Even though the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are still backing the Indian spinner, the pressure is clearly building. Varun Chakravarthy is going through a very tough phase, leaking 105 runs in just his first three matches and remaining wicketless so far in the ongoing IPL 2026.
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The “mystery spinner” has been struggling to find his form as the batters are now playing him with confidence, attacking his lengths and reading his variations without much trouble. Varun’s so-called mystery factor is missing completely this season.
The Indian spinner is now trying to bowl defensively, but even that is not working, and now he looks short of confidence under pressure.
Ambati Rayudu says mystery spinners are 'Overhyped' in IPL
Amidst Varun’s struggles, Rayudu said that the hype around mystery spinners is much bigger than their actual impact. The former CSK batter has pointed out that most of the mystery spinners enjoy success only for a short period before batters start reading them easily.
Rayudu has stressed that there is only one exception, who has been Sunil Narine, who has managed to survive and dominate across multiple seasons. Narine’s ability to change his game and stay unpredictable has helped him remain a constant threat.
Notably, the West Indies star is also part of the KKR setup.
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Ambati Rayudu said in a video shared by ESPNCricinfo, X: “I think mystery spinners are overrated. The whole 18 years of IPL, except for Narine, I don't think there have been many other mystery spinners who have really done that well and also won the IPL.
So, I feel mystery spinners are not a mystery anymore. Most of the teams that have won the IPL have won without a mystery spinner in their ranks.”
Are mystery spinners overrated? Do you agree with Rayudu? ? pic.twitter.com/me0H4ordvf
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 15, 2026KKR’s IPL 2026 campaign is in trouble as injured Varun Chakravarthy pushes for a return
Meanwhile, to make things worse for Varun Chakravarthy, the KKR spinner also suffered a finger injury while attempting a catch against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Eden Gardens.
It is being said that it was a hairline fracture, forcing him to miss the recent two games for the franchise in the ongoing IPL 2026. However, he is likely to return to action against the Gujarat Titans.
The KKR spokesperson stated, “Varun is training despite a bandage on his hand. He has been bowling in the nets and is looking good.”
Notably, KKR are still searching for their first win of this season, losing four of their five games, with one game against Punjab Kings washed out at Eden Gardens. They are currently sitting at the bottom of the points table with one point and will next face GT on April 17 in Ahmedabad.
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