IND vs NED – Varun Chakaravarthy dismantled the Netherlands batting order in Ahmedabad today. This performance cements his status as the best match-winner in this T20 World Cup. While other bowlers rely on raw pace, the Indian mystery spinner uses a tricky mix of deliveries. These variations leave the world’s best cricketers looking like nervous amateurs. After his 3/14 spell, the numbers show a level of dominance we’ve rarely seen in tournament history.
IND vs NED: 5 Stats Proving Varun Chakaravarthy Is 2026’s MVP:
1. Top-Tier Economy
Varun Chakaravarthy keeps his economy rate at just 4.85 right now. That stat puts him at the very top of the list for regular bowlers. He shuts down scoring so well during the middle overs that batters feel they must take huge risks against the rest of the Indian attack. That pressure leads to wickets at both ends of the pitch because hitters cannot find any gaps in his tight lines.
2. Leading the Spinners
After his three-wicket haul today, the Tamil Nadu leg-spinner has 10 wickets in just four group-stage matches. Some pace bowlers did well early on, but Varun Chakaravarthy remains the most dangerous spinner in the tournament as the Super 8 stage approaches. He pairs a high number of wickets with a lethal strike rate. This helps India break up partnerships before they get scary.
3. The Dot Ball King
Statisticians have watched his 2026 World Cup performance closely. He has bowled nearly 58% of his deliveries for no runs. This number shows exactly how he chokes the opposition. Vraun Chakravarthy usually bowls when batters try to speed up the scoring. By taking away singles and boundaries, he forces the required run rate through the roof. Most teams simply cannot keep up.
4. Mastering the Googly
Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Aryan Dutt for a golden duck today. That marked his sixth wicket of the tournament using his famous googly. Modern batters fail to read the rotation off his hand. That confusion lets him trap players LBW or bowl them cleanly with alarming frequency. His ability to hide which way the ball turns is a huge problem. It is easily the toughest challenge for any lineup playing India.
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5. Powerplay Impact
Suryakumar Yadav sometimes brings Varun Chakaravarthy on during the first six overs. He does this to mess with the opening pairs’ rhythm. The spinner responds by taking at least one wicket in the Powerplay in three out of four games. Since he can bowl at any point in the game, the captain has a flexible weapon. He shuts down even the most aggressive batting plans.
