‘I had to change everything about my bowling’- Varun Chakaravarthy reveals his comeback story after epic five-for in 2nd T20I

After a three-year hiatus, Varun Chakaravarthy returned to the Indian team during the home series against Bangladesh, and he has been in outstanding form ever since. On Sunday, November 10, at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, the mystery spinner attracted attention by going five for in the second Twenty20 International between South Africa and India.

Even if his outstanding effort wasn’t enough to help India win the game’s shortest format for the 12th time in a row, the 33-year-old received a lot of accolades from both fans and experts for it. Following a brilliant performance of 5/17 from four overs, Chakaravarthy stated that his two primary tools are overspin and consistency.

It’s a result of my overspin and consistency together. After India’s three-wicket defeat to South Africa in the second Twenty20 International, Chakaravarthy spoke exclusively on JioCinema, saying, “I hope I can continue to do that and hopefully I can continue to contribute for the country.” The overspin I bowl has more bite from the pitch.

Chakaravarthy featured in the T20 World Cup later that year after making his debut for India against Sri Lanka in 2021. The Bidar-born player was booted from the team, though, following a lackluster showing at the main event. According to Chakaravarthy, after being passed over, he examined footage of his bowling, identified his weak points, and made the right adjustments.

“I needed to review all of my videos and start over. My side spin was not functioning in the higher levels, so I realized that I was bowling it. My bowling had to be completely changed, and after two years, I began bowling in both the IPL and local leagues. Chakaravarthy stated, “I have begun bowling it on the international stage and it is working out for me. It worked there.”

I think I’m more concerned about clarity than confidence: Varun Chakaravarthy

According to the Tamil Nadu spinner, his focus on clarity is enabling him to perform effectively for the national squad. In his second spell with the Indian squad, he also stated that he hopes to play for a longer period of time.

I’d say I’m more concerned about clarity than confidence. Right now, that is helping me more. Clarity is more important to me since sometimes I think confidence might mislead me and make me think I can accomplish impossible things. That’s my main goal,” the cricketer for the Kolkata Knight Riders stated.

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Regarding his future objectives, Chakaravarthy said, “All I want is to have a longer run with the Indian Cricket Team and hopefully I can do it well.”