**Varun Chakravarthy Completes Redemption Arc with Brilliant Performance Against New Zealand**
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| **Varun Chakravarthy Completes Redemption Arc with Brilliant Performance Against New Zealand** |
In the 2021 T20 World Cup, Varun Chakravarthy faced a tough phase. Despite being touted as a mystery spinner, he struggled in Dubai, where his bowling failed to make a mark. He was even treated as a club cricketer by Pakistan's star players, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, as India suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat. That tournament saw him bowling without much impact, and his ‘mystery’ appeared to have fizzled out. However, in a turn of events on Sunday night, Chakravarthy made a stunning return to form, bringing the ghosts of 2021 to rest.
India had fielded an experimental squad in this inconsequential match, which included four spinners and just one specialist fast bowler. Chakravarthy, the fourth spinner, wasted no time in impressing, finishing with a match-winning five-wicket haul. His performance was a key factor in India securing a commanding 44-run victory in a low-scoring encounter against New Zealand.
Reflecting on his previous struggles in Dubai, Chakravarthy admitted, "Yeah, of course, in 2021, we didn't have -- I didn't, personally, have a great tournament here. But I do feel that I did bowl decently. But the results were not our way. But it looks good right now. And Team India is doing well." His comeback was not just a personal achievement, but also a significant contribution to the team's morale.
Chakravarthy's spell of 5 wickets for 42 runs left the Indian team management pondering whether to include him in the squad for the upcoming semifinal against Australia. India captain Rohit Sharma shared, “He has something different about him, so wanted to try and see what he can offer. We haven’t thought much about the next game, but it's a good headache to have." New Zealand’s Matt Henry, who also took five wickets in the match, was full of praise for Chakravarthy's skill. "He showed his skill tonight, the way he turned the ball both ways, and even the way that he could bowl pace. I thought he was brilliant."
New Zealand’s chase of a modest target of 250 seemed well within reach when they were 93 for 2. However, India’s four quality spinners, led by Chakravarthy, tightened the screws. Despite it being only his second ODI, Chakravarthy was the standout bowler. His deceptive variations, including the ball that goes both inside and outside, left the batsmen puzzled. Even the usually astute Rohit Sharma noted that Chakravarthy’s full range of variations isn't revealed during net practice, adding to the mystique that surrounds him.
Chakravarthy, eager to share insights into his bowling, explained, "Basically the ball that goes inside, outside and goes straight. So, you can keep it that way but there are minute changes that you can do with that also." These subtle variations, combined with his precision and deceptive pace, make him an enigma. Batsmen often struggle to pick him due to his subtle changes in speed, length, and delivery point, making him a challenge to face, especially on a surface that offers assistance to spin, as was the case in this game.
Chakravarthy's five wickets were the result of tactical planning rather than mere luck. His first victim, Will Young, was bowled out as he played on to the stumps. Glenn Phillips fell after a big hit, growing overambitious. Michael Bracewell was trapped LBW, albeit with a contentious decision, and Mitchell Santner fell to a delivery that lacked the usual mystery. Finally, Matt Henry, attempting to accelerate, was dismissed. While not all his wickets were masterpieces, his consistent accuracy and clever variations set up these dismissals.
Looking back on his performance, Chakravarthy acknowledged, "I think I can do it better. But I would definitely not term it as luck. It was definitely planned out." His maturity as a bowler has been honed through experience, especially in domestic 50-over cricket like the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he adapted to the longer format. "It really helped me to understand when I can bowl my incoming delivery, outgoing delivery, or the straighter one," he explained.
Chakravarthy’s growth as a bowler has been evident, and the upcoming semifinal against Australia will be a true test of his evolution, especially in the 50-over format. Having been a product of T20 cricket, where batsmen often attack him, his shift to the longer format has sharpened his skills further, making him a genuine threat in both formats.
As India prepares for the high-stakes semifinal, Chakravarthy’s redemption arc is complete, and he has shown that his mystery is far from over. With his craft in full display, the 33-year-old spinner could play a pivotal role in India's quest for victory.