Varun Chakaravarthy’s Return: A Triumphant Comeback Against Bangladesh

Varun Chakaravarthy made a significant impact in his return to the Indian national cricket team after a three-year hiatus, showcasing his talent against Bangladesh in the recent T20I match. Previously known for his reserved personality, Chakaravarthy expressed a rare display of emotion following his performance of 3 wickets for 31 runs.

The cricketer, who last represented India in 2021, spoke candidly about the challenges he faced during his absence and the emotional weight of wearing the national colors once again. “It feels,” he said before trailing off, signifying the magnitude of the moment for him. His journey back into the team comes after a notable performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he excelled, taking 21 wickets in 15 games and helping Kolkata Knight Riders clinch the title.

Despite his IPL success, Varun had been left out of the Indian squad for various tours and series, creating frustration, as evidenced by a candid Instagram post earlier. Reflecting on his past performances, he mentioned, “Whenever there was a series, I would keep thinking why my name was not there.” His commitment to returning at his best was evident as he worked on several aspects of his game, including adjusting his bowling technique.

Chakaravarthy’s performance against Bangladesh was commendable. His utilization of variations, particularly his googlies, proved challenging for Bangladesh’s batters. Towhid Hridoy was the first to succumb to his clever bowling, followed by Jaker Ali, and finally, Rishad Hossain, who fell to a fast leg-break delivery.

Notably, his resurrection within the national team may have been influenced by someone familiar with his capabilities. Chandrakant Pandit, now India’s head coach and previously Kolkata Knight Riders’ mentor, might have played a role in ensuring Varun’s return to the squad.

In the match, Varun’s initial over was a mix of highs and lows, starting with a missed opportunity to dismiss Hridoy due to a dropped catch by debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy. Speaking about that moment, Varun commented, “The catch could have gone my way, but that’s how T20 cricket is played.” Despite the initial setback, he bounced back to secure crucial wickets.

Varun expressed gratitude to those who supported him during his time away from international cricket. He specifically acknowledged his family and teams like the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, Dindigul Dragons, and Kolkata Knight Riders for their consistent backing.

As he re-enters the competitive realm of international cricket, Varun is conscious of the healthy rivalry among India’s pool of talented spinners. “One person who was cheering me today was Ravi Bishnoi,” he noted, highlighting the camaraderie within the team.

While coach Rahul Dravid and other prominent figures like Bishnoi lead India’s spin attack, Varun’s return adds depth and showcases the competitive spirit within the squad as they aim for future victories.