Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner, is savoring the fruits of his decision to shift from sidespin to overspin on the ball, a transition that has revitalized his cricket career. After a disappointing debut in the 2021 T20 World Cup that temporarily halted his international journey, Varun made a successful return to the Indian team, claiming three wickets against Bangladesh in the series opener in Gwalior.
Drawing inspiration from renowned spinner Nathan Lyon, Chakravarthy emphasized the effectiveness of overspin, which produces sharp bounce and significant turn, contributing to his impressive performance. “I used to be a sidespin bowler, but I have completely shifted to being an overspin bowler,” Varun explained, highlighting the meticulous adjustments he made to his technique over the past two years. This technical evolution was tested in domestic competitions like the TNPL and IPL, while he also worked on his mental approach to the game.
Despite solid performances in the IPL and domestic circuit, Chakravarthy had to wait for his chance to don the Indian jersey again. The frustration of missing out on squad selections only fueled his determination to make a comeback. “Whenever a squad was announced, I wondered why my name wasn’t there. That thought motivated me to give my best and focus on domestic games,” he shared.
In his recent outing, Chakravarthy faced a challenging start, including a dropped catch that led to 15 runs in his first over. However, he quickly regained his composure and dismissed Towhid Hridoy in his next over, showcasing his ability to bounce back. He acknowledged the intense competition within the team, particularly with leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who also provided support during the match. “The competition is fierce, but it fosters camaraderie. Having someone like Bishnoi cheering for me is invaluable,” Varun remarked, emphasizing the healthy rivalry that encourages players to excel.
Chakravarthy’s transformation and dedication exemplify the resilience and determination required to succeed at the highest level, marking a promising new chapter in his cricketing journey.
