Former All-Rounder Backs Varun Chakravarthy to Bounce Back Ahead of IND vs WI Clash

Before India's simulated knockout match against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on March 1, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan voiced concerns over Varun Chakravarthy's performance. With nine wickets in four group-stage matches, including two three-wicket hauls, the mystery spinner had an incredible start to the tournament. However, he returned statistics of 1 for 47 in an unusually costly performance against South Africa. After that, he put on another lacklustre performance against Zimbabwe, taking just one wicket for 35 runs during India's 72-run victory in Chennai.

With 11 wickets at an economy of 7.20 in six games, Varun has been one of India's most impressive players in the competition overall and is now the fifth-highest wicket-taker. He hasn't been as successful as he was earlier in the competition, though, and his influence has diminished in the Super 8 stage.

Varun Chakravarthy Gets Support From Irfan Pathan:

https://t.co/HNRQYNtqq5 T20 World Cup 2026: 'About 63% of his deliveries were too short' - Irfan Pathan analyses concerns around Varun Chakravarthy -

Irfan Pathan and Varun Chakaravarthy. (Photo Source: Irfan Pathan/ICC)

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Before a crucial match against the West Indies, Irfan Pathan believed that the team might be concerned about the top spinner's consecutive lacklustre performances. Pathan also examined the spinner's modifications to his technique, emphasising that he has been bowling too short, particularly to right-handed hitters.

Pathan got candid on his YouTube channel that Varun's recent difficulties have been caused by his inconsistent length, especially when facing right-handers. He said, “The concern remains Varun Chakravarthy. About 63% of his deliveries were too short. He usually bowls a shorter length compared to traditional spinners, but not this short. In the last two matches, he has bowled fuller to left-handers but too short to right-handers. If this is a conscious tactical shift, it could complicate things."

He further added, "Against West Indies in Kolkata — a pitch he knows well — he can bounce back. Just a slight adjustment in length, maybe come closer to the stumps around the wicket to left-handers, and he’ll be back. If he picks up an early wicket, he can create serious pressure."

Even so, his form was a little off. With 11 wickets at an economy of 7.20 in six games, Chakravarthy is currently the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the competition.

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