Varun Chakravarthy made his return to T20Is where he picked up his career-best figures. (Image: Sportzpics)
Just like how Gautam Gambhir’s appointment to KKR saw a change of fortunes for Varun Chakravarthy, he continues to see similar form on his return to the national side.
Team India’s mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy made his return to the T20I squad and has made a statement on his comeback to the national side as he picked up his career-best figures for the shortest format in international cricket.
Chakravarthy (33) last played a T20 international against Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2021-22 where India suffered a horrendous group-stage exit. His form with the ball also saw a serious dip which resulted in him not being in the plans of the national setup.
Gautam Gambhir’s return to the Kolkata Knight Riders saw the franchise claiming their third Indian Premier League title which they won in the 2024 edition where Chakravarthy played a key role in their campaign, picking up 21 wickets in the 15 games to become the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament as well.
With Gambhir making the move to become Team India’s Head Coach, Chakravarthy’s fortunes also saw a turn for the better as he made his return to the national side after three years.
The 33-year-old made a statement on his return to the side as he picked up three wickets to register his career-best figures of 3/31 in his four overs as he was the pick of the Indian bowlers.
He got his first of the day with a quicker and shorter delivery which Towhid Hridoy looked to loft on the backfoot but the top edge resulted in the long-on fielder taking the catch with ease.
His second victim was Jaker Ali who was bamboozled by the googly which beat the bat and pad to crash onto the stumps to extend India’s dominance in the first innings.
Chakravarthy went once again with the quick and short delivery which moved a hint towards the leg-side and once again found the man at the mid-wicket region to get the wicket of Rishad Hossain.
Under the Gambhir era, the mystery spinner has seen a change of fortunes and both men would hope that the form continues for the long run as India looks to extend their winning momentum in the shortest format.
