Post match presentation highlights: Varun Chakravarthy comeback: It Feels Like a New Beginning
Varun Chakravarthy Returns After 3 Years and Helps India Beat Bangladesh
In a thrilling T20 match against Bangladesh, Varun Chakravarthy made an exciting comeback to the Indian cricket team after almost three years. Varun played a key role in India’s big win, taking 3 wickets for 31 runs. India comfortably won by seven wickets, and for Varun, it felt like he was starting a new chapter in his career.
Varun Chakravarthy, a mystery spinner, hadn’t played for India since November 2021. But on that day in Gwalior, he returned with a bang, helping India win the first game of the series. Reflecting on his performance, he said, “After three long years, it was very emotional for me. It feels like a rebirth to be back playing for India.”
Overcoming Challenges before Varun Chakravarthy comeback
Varun had faced many challenges during his time away from the Indian team. He shared how hard it was to stay motivated when he wasn’t selected. “Once you’re not playing for India, people often forget about you,” he said. “You have to keep working hard and knocking on the door again and again. I’m thankful for this chance, and I hope I can keep playing well.”
Success Before the Comeback
Even though Varun wasn’t playing for India, he had an amazing year in domestic cricket. In the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), Varun’s team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), won the championship. Varun finished as KKR’s top wicket-taker, with 21 wickets in 14 matches. He was also the second-highest wicket-taker in the entire IPL.
After the IPL, Varun played in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), where he helped the Dindigul Dragons win the tournament. He took 2 wickets for 26 runs in the final, tying with Sandeep Warier as the team’s top wicket-taker, with 12 wickets.
Preparation and Confidence
Varun explained that his success in the TNPL gave him the confidence he needed to return to the international stage. “Playing in the TNPL helped me prepare for this series,” he said. “I worked a lot with Ash bhai (Ravichandran Ashwin), and winning the TNPL gave me the belief I needed to perform here.”
Varun doesn’t want to get carried away, though. He plans to stick to the process that helped him succeed in the IPL and TNPL. “I just want to stay in the present and focus on what’s in front of me,” he said. “I don’t want to think too much or get ahead of myself.”
The Match Against Bangladesh
In the match against Bangladesh, Varun bowled in the fifth over. His second ball was hit by Towhid Hridoy, but debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy missed the catch as the ball got lost in the stadium lights. Hridoy got lucky and scored four runs. But Varun didn’t let that bother him. He got his revenge in the next over, dismissing Hridoy and then going on to take two more wickets, getting Jaker Ali and Rishad Hossain out.
Even though the missed catch could have been frustrating, Varun remained positive. “I thought the catch might go my way, but I can’t complain,” he said with a smile. “I’m just thankful to God for everything.”
