Varun Chakravarthy’s Triumphant Return Sparks Hope for India’s T20 Future

In a riveting comeback, Indian cricketer Varun Chakravarthy made a notable return to international cricket during the first T20I against Bangladesh, held in Gwalior on Sunday. India’s team, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, clinched victory by seven wickets, but it was Chakravarthy’s performance that stole the spotlight.

Returning to the Indian squad after a three-year hiatus, Chakravarthy took three crucial wickets while conceding just 31 runs. His victims included Towhid Hridoy, Rishad Hossain, and Jakir Ali, making a significant impact on the game’s outcome. Arshdeep Singh, another key bowler, matched Chakravarthy’s performance with three wickets of his own, highly praised alongside his teammate.

Chakravarthy’s beginning at the match was less auspicious, having conceded 15 runs in his first over. Nevertheless, he swiftly adapted, giving away only 16 runs in his subsequent three overs. Reflecting on his return to the national team, Chakravarthy described the experience as a “rebirth,” emphasizing the emotional and professional challenges he faced to reclaim his spot.

Previously, Chakravarthy debuted for the Indian team in 2021 and was selected for the T20 World Cup the same year. His performance in that tournament was underwhelming, resulting in his brief exclusion from the international scene. However, consistent domestic performances, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL), kept him in the selectors’ considerations.

The 2024 IPL season proved pivotal for Chakravarthy, during which he became the leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps across 15 games, playing an instrumental role in the Kolkata Knight Riders‘ successful campaign. Despite his achievements, uncertainty loomed over his place in the national team, leading to his social media expression of frustration when initially left out.

Chakravarthy’s return was aided by his former team mentor at Kolkata Knight Riders, who has since become India’s head coach. His selection for the T20I series against Bangladesh was seen as a testament to his resilience and commitment to reviving his career.

Expressing gratitude to his support system, Chakravarthy credited his family and several key figures in Indian cricket, including those at the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and his teams in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and IPL, for their backing. He highlighted technical developments in his bowling, notably transitioning from a side-spin to an over-spin technique over the past two years.

Looking ahead, Chakravarthy faces significant competition from established spinners like Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and emerging talents such as Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar. However, he sees this as an opportunity for healthy competition that can raise the team’s overall performance.

“There is good competition, and there is good camaraderie also,” Chakravarthy remarked, acknowledging the support of fellow bowler Ravi Bishnoi during the match. This camaraderie, coupled with intense competition, is something he believes is crucial for India’s success on the global stage.