Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has stated that mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has the ability to take wickets in the middle overs, which can make a huge difference in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Gambhir feels Varun can be used according to the match situation and the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses.
Chakravarthy has impressed with his skills and he has a plethora of variations under his belt. The mystery spinner from Tamil Nadu can breathe down the neck of the opposition with his guile and he can certainly be an X-factor for the Indian team in the T20I showpiece.
Chakravarthy also impressed in the recently concluded IPL 2021 while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders. The mystery spinner played a key role in helping his team reach the final of the tournament. He scalped 18 wickets in 17 matches of IPL 2021 and bowled with an impressive economy rate of 6.58.
Gautam Gambhir said while talking to Star Sports, “It depends on the situation. You also have to see who will play along with him. Will you go with three spinners, will you go with the leg-spinner in Rahul Chahar because you can use Varun Chakravarthy differently if Rahul Chahar plays as you will have a wicket-taking option in the middle overs as well.”
“You can start with him with the new ball as well, depending on whom you are playing against. He has bowled well in the first six overs and at the death as well. He obviously has the ability to take wickets in the middle overs.”
Gambhir added that Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy will play a key role in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Bumrah had a decent IPL 2021 as he scalped 21 wickets in 14 matches for Mumbai Indians. The Indian ace paceman is one of the best death bowlers in the world.
“The first six overs are going to be very important if the wickets keep on getting slower. When you are playing against Pakistan or New Zealand, they will look to make as many runs as possible in the first six overs. So, Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy will be very important, it will depend on who is the second spinner being played.”
India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 24th October.
