Listen to this article

India’s T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav has praised mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy’s remarkable comeback in international cricket following a challenging period in 2021. Honing his skills in both T20 and 50-over formats, Chakravarthy has reinforced his position as an impactful player in the Indian cricket team, especially showcased during the recent Champions Trophy.

The evolving dynamics of modern cricket have made it difficult for specialist bowlers to maintain their place in teams, with a growing preference for players who can contribute to batting depth. Despite facing challenges, Chakravarthy has successfully navigated these changes to assert his position back into the team. Notably, Yuzvendra Chahal, another accomplished leg-spinner, often found himself on the bench during the 2024 T20 World Cup, despite his inclusion in the squad.

Chakravarthy initially did not play in India’s first two group matches at the Champions Trophy, but his game-turning five-wicket haul against New Zealand earned him a key role in the subsequent matches. His consistent performance obliged the selectors to consider him for the semi-final against Australia, especially given Dubai’s slow pitch conditions, which naturally favor spinners. In this critical match, he rose to the occasion by claiming the wicket of Travis Head, playing a vital role in India’s strategy against their formidable opponent.

Suryakumar Yadav has expressed strong support for selecting specialist bowlers based on the match conditions and the individual players’ skills. At a promotional event, he articulated his belief in prioritizing the team’s best interests rather than adhering to conventional selections. This philosophy played a crucial role in Chakravarthy’s eventual selection into the ODI side, driven largely by his impressive T20I performance against England, which demonstrated his resilience and adaptability.

Chakravarthy’s journey has seen him overcome a disappointing 2021 T20 World Cup. His comeback is highlighted by his vital contributions in T20Is throughout the 2024-25 season, culminating in impressive figures like 18 wickets in six games, including two five-wicket hauls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Suryakumar Yadav commended Chakravarthy’s mental toughness and significant improvement over the years, acknowledging the ups and downs as integral to his development as a cricketer.

With his recent performances, Varun Chakravarthy exemplifies the benefits of focus and perseverance, proving that individualized attention to skill development can have a lasting impact on a player’s career trajectory in international cricket.

Share this post!