Varun Chakravarthy’s Comeback: Key to India’s Victory Over Bangladesh in Gwalior
In a thrilling match at Gwalior, Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy made a remarkable return to international cricket after three years. Playing his first match since the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, Chakravarthy took three crucial wickets, helping India secure an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first T20I.
Chakravarthy’s Bowling Transformation
Chakravarthy, 33, revealed that his success came from shifting his bowling style from side-spin to over-spin. He worked on this technique for over two years, testing it in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL). His efforts paid off, as he became a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, especially during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Match Highlights
India won the toss and chose to bowl first. Bangladesh struggled, scoring 127 runs in 19.5 overs. Arshdeep Singh was the standout bowler for India, taking three wickets for 14 runs. Chakravarthy also took three wickets, while Mayank Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Hardik Pandya each took one.
In the chase, India reached the target with ease. Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav formed a strong partnership, while Hardik Pandya and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy sealed the win. Arshdeep Singh was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding performance.
Series Lead
With this victory, India leads the three-match series 1-0.
Doubts Revealed
Varun Chakravarthy -: Varun Chakravarthy is an Indian cricketer known for his spin bowling. He plays for the Indian national team and has also been part of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Gwalior -: Gwalior is a city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its historical significance and cultural heritage.
Side-spin to over-spin -: Side-spin and over-spin are techniques used in cricket bowling. Side-spin makes the ball spin sideways, while over-spin makes it spin forward, which can make it bounce higher.
TNPL -: TNPL stands for Tamil Nadu Premier League, a cricket league in India where teams from Tamil Nadu compete. It helps local players gain experience and showcase their talent.
IPL -: IPL stands for Indian Premier League, a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India. It features teams from different cities and is very popular among cricket fans.
Arshdeep Singh -: Arshdeep Singh is an Indian cricketer who plays as a fast bowler. He has represented India in international matches and also plays in the IPL.
Sanju Samson -: Sanju Samson is an Indian cricketer known for his batting skills. He plays for the Indian national team and has been a part of the IPL.
Suryakumar Yadav -: Suryakumar Yadav is an Indian cricketer who is a talented batsman. He plays for the Indian national team and has been successful in the IPL.
Hardik Pandya -: Hardik Pandya is an Indian cricketer known for his all-round abilities, meaning he can both bat and bowl well. He is a key player for the Indian team and plays in the IPL.