India’s cricketing landscape witnessed a significant move on Saturday, September 28, as Varun Chakravarthy made his way back to the national squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Having last donned the Indian jersey during the 2021 T20 World Cup, the mystery spinner’s return has raised many eyebrows, but it could be a game-changer for the Men in Blue. Let’s dive into why his comeback could be an excellent move for India and how it strengthens their arsenal ahead of future tournaments.
The Road to Redemption: Chakravarthy’s Stellar IPL Performance
Varun Chakravarthy’s journey back into the Indian squad hasn’t been a walk in the park. After going wicketless in the 2021 T20 World Cup and subsequently being sidelined, the 33-year-old made a strong statement with his recent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. With 21 wickets in 15 games, he played a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title win, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most enigmatic spinners in T20 cricket.
His performance in the IPL wasn’t a flash in the pan. Consistent form over the past few seasons, including a commendable comeback after a poor 2022 campaign, showcases his resilience. This consistent domestic success sets the stage for his potential dominance in international cricket once again.
A Crucial Spin Contender Ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup
One of the primary reasons for Varun Chakravarthy’s return to the T20I squad is India’s need to identify their core spinner for the 2026 T20 World Cup. With the tournament set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, spinners will undoubtedly play a crucial role, making this series against Bangladesh an important testing ground for India’s spinning options.
Chakravarthy will be competing with fellow spinners like Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi for a spot in the playing XI, and the pressure to perform is high. However, with veterans such as Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel not currently part of the T20 setup, this is an opportune moment for Chakravarthy to secure his place.
“India is keen to build a robust spinning lineup well ahead of the 2026 showpiece event, and Chakravarthy’s presence adds a unique edge. If he can continue weaving his magic on the field, his inclusion might just be the X-factor that India’s T20 team needs.”
The Unsolved Mystery: Varun Chakravarthy’s Unorthodox Style
What sets Varun Chakravarthy apart from other spinners is his mystery factor. Batters around the globe are still trying to decode his variations—leg spin, carrom balls, googlies, and sliders. His ability to maintain unpredictability has kept him a feared bowler, and even the best in the business have struggled to pick his deliveries.
In IPL 2023, he took his bowling up a notch by incorporating upright seam deliveries in his leg breaks, adding more revs on the ball. This adjustment allowed him to extract more turn and bounce, which often left the batters guessing and ultimately led to their downfall. Chakravarthy’s deep understanding of the game allows him to adapt to different match situations, which further cements his value in the T20 format.
“Chakravarthy’s intelligence and ability to assess a batter’s weakness, deciding whether a googly or leg-break will work, make him a versatile asset in India’s bowling attack.”
And with the subcontinent’s spin-friendly pitches, the conditions will only work in his favor as he eyes long-term success in the international arena.
A Proven Performer: Varun Chakravarthy’s Impressive Consistency
Another compelling reason why Varun Chakravarthy’s return is a smart move for India is his unwavering consistency, particularly in recent years. His performances in the IPL have been nothing short of spectacular, especially in the 2024 season where he took 21 wickets, finishing as one of the top wicket-takers. His ability to bowl tight lines, control the flow of runs, and consistently take key wickets make him a match-winner.
Apart from the IPL, his domestic performances have also been impressive. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023/24, Chakravarthy bagged 19 wickets in eight innings, making him the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament. His contributions in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024 were equally significant, where he helped Dindigul Dragons lift the title with 12 wickets to his name.
“This consistent form across multiple formats and tournaments only strengthens the case for his inclusion in India’s T20I setup. He’s proven that he can handle pressure, deliver when it matters the most, and remain effective even in the shortest format of the game.”
A Second Chance to Shine on the International Stage
For Varun Chakravarthy, this T20I series against Bangladesh isn’t just another assignment; it’s a second chance. After being ignored for the T20I series against Zimbabwe in July, Chakravarthy expressed his frustration on social media. Now that he’s back in the squad, the upcoming matches provide a golden opportunity for him to prove his worth and cement his place in India’s T20 setup.
The spin bowler has a point to prove, and if his domestic performances are anything to go by, he could well become an indispensable part of India’s T20I bowling attack leading up to the next World Cup.
Varun Chakravarthy’s return to the Indian T20I squad is more than just a comeback—it’s a calculated move that could pay dividends for India in the long run. His consistency, mystery, and match-winning ability make him a strong contender for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, and this series against Bangladesh could be the start of something special.
As India looks to rebuild and strengthen its T20 squad, especially in the spin department, Chakravarthy’s presence will undoubtedly be key. If he can replicate his IPL heroics on the international stage, India might have just found the secret weapon they need to reclaim their T20 dominance.
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