If India wins T20 World Cup, Varun Chakravarthy would have played a major role: Dinesh Karthik

Varun Chakravarthy has been in the news for his sensational rise in professional cricket for the last few years. He is one of the spinners who are in contention for making it to the T20 World Cup later this year in the United Arab Emirates. However, Dinesh Karthik, who himself has seen a fair bit of the mystery spinner, feels that he can be a key player at the T20 World Cup. 

Chakravarthy has an incredible story of coming through the ranks. After a start-stop career, the Tamil Nadu spinner caught the attention of the Indian selectors during the Indian Premier League 2020, which was incidentally played in the UAE. Karthik, who led the Kolkata Knight Riders going into the tournament, backed him to perform well and the 29-year-old had delivered.

In the 13 matches of that tournament which he played, Chakravarthy picked up 17 wickets at an average of 20.94 and an economy of 6.84. He was one of the best bowlers in the tournament and was given a chance in the Indian T20I squad immediately. However, he kept failing fitness Tests which didn’t allow him to make his debut. 

I feel he’s got something really special in him: Dinesh Karthik

However, during the recent India tours of Sri Lanka, he finally made his T20I debut. In the three games, he picked up two wickets, but bowled at an economy rate of 5.30. With no clear favorite as the first-choice spinner for India in the T20 World Cup, Chakravarthy could well be the surprise package. Karthik during the ICC Digital show with Darren Sammy talked about exactly how crucial he can be for India’s chance moving forward. 

“My choice is a guy called Varun Chakravarthy. I feel he’s got something really special in him. If India goes all the way, I can promise you this boy that I’m speaking about will have played a major role in them moving forward in this tournament. Remember the name ‘Varun Chakravarthy’, Mr Darren Sammy,” Karthik stated.

Talking about Chakravarthy’s T20 record, he has taken 27 wickets in his 24 matches. His economy of 7.10 is quite impressive and makes him a quality pick. Karthik, who had led the KKR team for the first half of the IPL 2020 in the UAE, highlighted Chakravarthy knowing his capabilities to bowl on those pitches.