Irfan Pathan expresses concern over Varun Chakravarthy’s dip in form ahead of WI clash

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has opened up on the dip in form of the Indian mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who conceded a lot of runs in the last two Super8 matches against South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan delved into the technical details, revealing that about 63 per cent of Varun’s deliveries were too short, which could complicate things as India heads to the business end of the tournament.

“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,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

Additionally, Pathan defended Varun and backed him to bounce back stronger on the Eden Gardens surface, which he knows pretty well as he plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

“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,” he added.

Against South Africa in Ahmedabad, Varun conceded 47 runs at an economy of 11.75 while scalping only one wicket. Later against Zimbabwe, he conceded 35 runs in three overs at an economy of 8.75.

India will next face the West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, March 1.

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