Varun Chakravarthy has emerged as a beacon of unpredictability and skill for the Indian cricket team, his recent performance in the second T20 against South Africa, where he clinched an astonishing 5 wickets for just 17 runs in his 4 overs, has not only turned heads but has also sparked a fervent debate on his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad. This match, where India managed to score 124-6, was a testament to Chakravarthy’s growing prowess as a match-winner, a sentiment echoed by none other than Dinesh Karthik, a veteran whose insights into the game are as respected as they are rare.
Varun Chakravarthy’s journey back to the Indian T20I team after a hiatus of nearly three years was nothing short of a cricketing renaissance. His comeback was marked by a match-winning performance against Bangladesh, where he finished with figures of 3 for 31, setting the tone for his resurgence. However, it was his spell against South Africa that truly showcased his evolution as a bowler. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, the stakes are high, and the selection panel’s decisions will be scrutinized more than ever.
Chakravarthy’s ability to deceive batsmen with his variations, particularly his googly, has been his hallmark. His figures in the last five matches – 4-0-31-3
4-0-19-2
4-0-23-0
4-0-25-3
and the recent 4-0-17-5 – paint a picture of consistency and improvement. These performances are not just numbers; they represent a bowler who has mastered the art of bowling under pressure, a crucial attribute in high-stake tournaments like the Champions Trophy.
Dinesh Karthik, in his recent X post, emphasized the gravity of overlooking Chakravarthy for the Champions Trophy, calling it a “grave error.” Karthik’s endorsement carries weight, not just because of his playing credentials but also due to his keen understanding of the modern game’s nuances. His observation that Chakravarthy is turning into an “outstanding bowler” is not just praise but a call to action for the selectors to recognize and utilize this asset.
If india don’t pick VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY for the Champions Trophy , then they are making a grave error – Dinesh Karthik said.
Outstanding Bowler he is turning out to be
If india don’t pick VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY for the Champions Trophy , then they are making a grave error
Outstanding Bowler he is turning out to be #INDvSA #CricketTwitter #Cricket
— DK (@DineshKarthik) November 10, 2024
The Indian cricket team, known for its batting prowess, often looks for bowlers who can provide breakthroughs and maintain pressure. Varun Chakravarthy, with his ability to bowl at the death and in the powerplay, fits this bill perfectly. His performance against South Africa, where he dismantled the batting lineup, was a masterclass in bowling in T20 cricket. It showcased his ability to adapt, not just to conditions but to the evolving tactics of batsmen who are increasingly looking to dominate from the outset.
As the cricketing world looks forward to the Champions Trophy, the debate over team composition will intensify. Varun Chakravarthy’s case, bolstered by his recent exploits, stands out. His journey from being sidelined to becoming a pivotal player in India’s T20 strategy is a narrative of perseverance, skill, and tactical acumen. For India to overlook such a talent, especially after performances that have turned matches on their head, would indeed be a misstep.
Varun Chakravarthy’s resurgence and his match-defining performances, particularly against South Africa, underline his importance to the Indian T20I setup. As the Champions Trophy approaches, the selection committee faces a critical decision. Ignoring Chakravarthy could be seen as not just a tactical error but a missed opportunity to leverage one of the most unpredictable and effective bowlers in the current cricketing landscape. His story is one of redemption, of a bowler who has not just returned but has done so with a vengeance, proving that in cricket, as in life, it’s often the comebacks that define legacies.
