‘Varun has been our game-changer’ - Abhishek Sharma reflects on Chakravarthy’s performance in first T20I

Team India got off to a stellar start in the white-ball series against England. Taking on the side in the first T20I of the series in Kolkata, team India managed to defeat the visitors by seven wickets. There were several performances from the game which stood out, but the showing of star spinner Varun Chakravarthy was quite noticeable.

Bowling four overs, Chakravarthy conceded 23 runs and took three wickets brilliantly in the process as well. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award. 

Speaking of his showing, opener Abhishek Sharma came forward and talked about how well Chakravarthy performed. 

"If you look at the last few series, Varun has been our game-changer. In T20 cricket, where good batting conditions are common, having a bowler you can rely on is crucial. Opponents find it difficult to pick him, and even our other spinners, Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel, have been equally effective,” Abhishek Sharma said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Also Read - England have got to find a different method of trying to put Varun under pressure: Michael Vaughan

You've to back yourself up: Sharma

Furthermore, Abhishek Sharma was another star performer in the first T20I. Scoring 79 runs in 34 deliveries, Abhishek’s performance was exceptional during the run chase as well. The star batter talked about his showing.

"Obviously as a batsman, it comes to your mind when 3-4-5 innings don't go well, but the coach and the captain managed all the players, even though I didn't do well, but still they said we know you are going to win the game for us, any game, and just go and express yourself," Sharma said.

"When a captain or a coach says something like this, obviously there is a bit of confidence and you 've to back yourself up. When a captain or a coach says something like this, obviously there is a bit of confidence and you 've to back yourself up,” he added.