New Delhi:
In the midst of his stellar performances, Varun Chakaravarthy has been quick to deflect comparisons with the legendary Ravichandran Ashwin, emphasizing that his own journey is unique and still in its ascent. Despite his recent success, which includes a standout performance in the first T20I against England and a string of impressive showings in the IPL and Vijay Hazare Trophy, Chakaravarthy remains humble and focused on his own path.
Chakaravarthy’s recent form has been nothing short of remarkable. He has emerged as a crucial asset for India’s T20I team, particularly in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. His 3/23 against England in the first T20I, which earned him the Player of the Match award, is a testament to his growing influence. However, when asked about comparisons with Ashwin, Chakaravarthy was clear: “Comparing me to Ashwin is a big statement. He has played all three formats and has over 500 Test wickets. I am just making a comeback and haven’t reached a stage where I can be compared to him.”
Since 2024, Chakaravarthy has been on an upward trajectory, winning the IPL Purple Cap and taking 20 T20I wickets in just eight matches. His resurgence is partly attributed to his consistent participation in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. “The level of cricket in domestic cricket is very high, almost on par with IPL and international matches,” he noted, highlighting the importance of these tournaments in maintaining his rhythm and form.
At 33 years old, Chakaravarthy is aware that matching Ashwin’s 14-year service to India is an impossible feat. Instead, he focuses on following his own process and preparation. “I am not thinking about filling someone’s shoes. Ashwin’s shoes are too big to fill. I am just following my process and letting the hard work take me where it can,” he explained.
Chakaravarthy’s approach to bowling is a blend of meticulous planning and instinctive adjustments. He spends considerable time researching the batters, understanding their release shots, and checking for any new additions to their repertoire. “The first thing is preparation—looking at the batter, understanding their release shots, and checking if they have added a new shot. Based on that and the pitch conditions, I make certain calculations,” he detailed.
This combination of planning and instinct has been crucial in his success, particularly in challenging conditions. In the first T20I against England, Chakaravarthy exploited the pitch conditions at Eden Gardens to perfection, prioritizing bounce over turn and dismantling England’s middle order with ease.
As India prepares for the second T20I against England, Chakaravarthy is set to play a pivotal role once again. His performance will be closely watched, especially as he takes to the field at his home ground, the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With two major World Cups on the horizon in 2026 and 2027, Chakaravarthy aims to continue contributing to India’s success, one match at a time.
