The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have received a timely boost ahead of their Thursday, April 9 clash against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), as veteran spinner Sunil Narine has recovered from illness and is ready to make his comeback.

Sunil Narine missed KKR’s last game against Punjab Kings, which was ultimately washed out. He returned to training and looked set to reinforce KKR’s bowling attack with his experience.

KKR could be without Varun Chakravarthy as the spinner continues to rehab after a left-hand injury sustained versus Sunrisers Hyderabad last week. He was spotted with extensive taping in the PBKS match and during practice at Eden Gardens, casting doubt over his availability for the LSG encounter.

For the first time since IPL 2019, KKR fielded a playing XI without the services of their premier spinners, Narine and Chakravarthy. Anukul Roy carried the spin responsibility alone, underlining how injuries and unavailability have stretched the team’s resources and forced changes in the bowling lineup.

KKR will also benefit from Cameron Green’s growing role. According to reports, the Australian all-rounder has started bowling in practice sessions, with team management keeping a close eye on his workload. Green’s bowling could provide the much-needed balance to KKR’s lineup, giving captain Ajinkya Rahane more tactical choices in the middle overs.

KKR’s start to IPL 2026 has been challenging, with only one point from three games following two losses and a washout. Narine’s comeback, along with Green’s bowling potential, could be key as KKR aim to turn their season around.