A Journey from Setback to Redemption
Varun Chakravarthy's career has been deeply rooted in the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In 2021, then-India coach Ravi Shastri saw promise in him and described him as a match-winner, suggesting his addition to the Test team for the Australia tour. But within days, he struggled against Pakistan, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan scoring freely against him in a 10-wicket drubbing in the T20 World Cup. He did not fare any better against New Zealand, going wicketless, as his 'mystery' seemed to have evaporated.
A Stunning Comeback
Chakravarthy turned it around on Sunday evening. In a match where India played an experimental team with four spinners and only one specialist pacer, he made the most of the chance. Taking a five-wicket haul, he put the demons of his previous performances at the ground behind him. His effort ensured India won a low-scoring match by a comprehensive 44 runs.
Looking back at the turnaround, Chakravarthy noted that 2021 was a tough time but was content with his work. "I did not have a good tournament during that time, but I believe I bowled well. The outcomes didn't happen in our favor. But everything is good now, and Team India is doing well," he explained.
Bowling Masterclass Against New Zealand
During his 10-over stint, Chakravarthy harassed the New Zealand batting order with his variations. His outing made the Indian team management think of him for the semifinal against Australia. Captain Rohit Sharma conceded that his selection was a strategic move. "He has something different, and we wanted to see what he can offer. We haven't thought about the next game yet, but it's a good headache to have," he said.
New Zealand seamer Matt Henry, who also took five wickets in the match, was full of praise for Chakravarthy's ability. "He bowled beautifully. The way he turned the ball both ways and even bowled at pace was brilliant," Henry said.
New Zealand, in pursuit of 250, were comfortably placed at 93 for two before India's four spinners, headed by Chakravarthy, put pressure. Even though he played only his second ODI, Chakravarthy was the pick of the bowlers, making a strong case for his long-term inclusion in the 50-over game.
The Mystery Element of Chakravarthy
Chakravarthy is always famous for his mystery spin. Even Rohit Sharma conceded that he does not show all his variations to the nets. The Tamil Nadu spinner keeps his tricks up his sleeve to preserve his unpredictability.
But on Sunday, he was categorical in his bowling style. "Basically, the ball can go inside, outside, or straight. But there are minute changes you can make," he said. His skill to deceive batsmen with slight changes, drift, and variations in pace makes him a troublesome bowler to play.
A Well-Planned Five-Wicket Haul
Although Chakravarthy's five wickets were instrumental, they weren't his most impressive balls of the evening. Will Young was played onto his stumps, Glenn Phillips mistook an attacking shot, Michael Bracewell was dismissed LBW in a questionable decision, Mitchell Santner got out playing a seam-up ball wrong, and Matt Henry was out attempting to accelerate. His consistency and control of the other 55 balls, however, contributed to securing those wickets.
Talking about his performance, Chakravarthy ruled out the aspect of luck. "I won't say it was luck. It was all well-planned. Anything can happen in cricket, but I played my plans quite well," he said.
Adjusting to the 50-Over Format
A T20 specialist by nature, Chakravarthy has struggled hard to adjust to ODIs. The longer game provides batsmen more time to judge his bowling and hence makes it difficult for him. Still, he has improved his craft playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
"It gave me an idea of when to bowl my incoming, outgoing, or straighter delivery. It's quite different from T20 cricket, and it was a lot of work adjusting," he added.
His versatility will be tested big time on Tuesday when India takes on Australia in the semifinal. Going by his showing against New Zealand, Chakravarthy might be a deciding factor for India.
