Varun Chakaravarthy takes a three-for on comeback after ages

Varun Chakaravarthy’s return was one of the major points when India announced their XI for the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior on Sunday (October 6). 

The right-arm mystery spinner played six T20Is for India in 2021. However, following India’s dismal performance in the 2021 T20 World Cup (first round exit), Varun was overlooked. He missed 86 T20Is for India in between, the second most for India between appearances. 

Charavarthy returned to the team on the back of strong performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Since IPL 2023, Varun has picked 41 wickets in 29 T20s, averaging 20.3 runs apiece at an economy of 8.1. 

He was one of the most impressive spinners in a high-scoring 2024 season. Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as India’s head coach, who also mentored KKR to the title in the 2024 season, also pushed his case. 

Varun picked 3/31 in his four overs. He had only two wickets in his first six matches in 2021.

The 33-year-old had an unfortunate start, conceding 15 in his first over and seeing a catch getting dropped on his bowling. But he made a strong return, with three wickets in his subsequent overs, snapping Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali and Rishad Hossain. 

Varun’s return helped India wrap Bangladesh up for 127 with Arshdeep Singh (3/14) also playing a major hand. 

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