Varun Chakravarthy’s remarkable return to the Indian team was marked by a stellar performance in the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior. After a three-year absence, the mystery spinner played a pivotal role in India’s crushing seven-wicket victory, claiming three wickets for 31 runs.
Chakravarthy’s comeback was an emotional moment for the 31-year-old, who expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country once again. “It was definitely emotional for me, and it feels nice to be back in the Blues, it feels like a rebirth,” he said.
The spinner’s journey back to the national team has been marked by challenges and perseverance. After being dropped from the Indian side in November 2021, Chakravarthy faced criticism and doubts about his ability to return to the highest level. However, he remained determined to prove his worth.
In the past year, Chakravarthy has enjoyed great success at the domestic level. He was the highest wicket-taker for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2024 IPL, finishing with 21 wickets in 14 innings. He also played a key role in Dindigul Dragons’ victory in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, taking 12 wickets in the tournament.
Chakravarthy credits his recent success to the hard work he put in during the TNPL. “That’s a place where I worked a lot, with Ash bhai [Ashwin]. We won the competition also, and that gave me the confidence here, because it was good preparation for me for this series,” he said.
In the first T20I against Bangladesh, Chakravarthy was introduced into the attack in the fifth over. He immediately made an impact, dismissing Towhid Hridoy in his second over. He followed that up with the wickets of Jaker Ali and Rishad Hossain, bamboozling the batters with his variations.
Despite his impressive performance, Chakravarthy was disappointed with a dropped catch that could have given him a fourth wicket. However, he remained composed and focused on his task. “I thought it could have gone my way, but I can’t complain,” he said.
Chakravarthy’s return to form is a testament to his resilience and determination. He has overcome adversity to reclaim his place in the Indian team, and his performance in the first T20I suggests that he is ready to make a significant contribution to the side’s success.
