Varun Chakravarthy shines with a 5-wicket haul in Rajkot

Varun Chakravarthy delivered a standout performance in the third T20I between India and England, held in Rajkot on January 28, 2025. The mystery spinner, known for his deceptive variations, was the pick of the Indian bowlers, ending with an exceptional figure of 5 wickets for 27 runs in his quota of 4 overs.

Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo

Chakravarthy's spell was crucial in pegging back England's scoring rate, particularly in the middle overs where he broke a potentially dangerous partnership and dismantled the lower order. His ability to mix up his pace and length kept the English batsmen guessing, leading to several false shots and well-earned wickets.

Varun's victims in this innings included Jos Buttler, Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, and Jofra Archer, which significantly disrupted England's momentum in the second half of their innings. This performance not only showcased Chakravarthy's skill but also highlighted his importance to the Indian T20I side, especially on pitches that assist spin.

Despite his efforts, India couldn't chase down the total set by England, but Chakravarthy's bowling was a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing day for the home team. His performance has certainly put him in contention for more crucial roles in the remaining matches of the series.