India’s mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, made a sensational return to the national team after 1066 days, having last played during India’s 2021 T20 World Cup campaign. In his first appearance back in blue, Varun delivered his career-best figures of 3 for 31, helping India secure a seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh in the first T20I of the three-match series, held in Gwalior on Sunday.
Varun was introduced into the attack during the fifth over. Although his first over saw Towhid Hridoy misfield a catch by debutant Nitish Reddy, resulting in 15 runs conceded, Varun quickly found his rhythm. He took Hridoy’s wicket in his second over and followed it up by dismissing Jaker Ali in his third, marking an impressive comeback with his best-ever figures in international cricket.
Following India’s victory, head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen engaging in a lengthy and animated discussion with Varun Chakravarthy. The two have a working relationship from their time at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where Gambhir mentored the team during IPL 2024. The conversation was also joined by bowling coach Morne Morkel, adding further tactical input to the discussion.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri, commenting on the scene during the live telecast, speculated that Gambhir and Morkel were offering strategic advice to Varun. Shastri remarked, “Gautam could have seen a lot of him at KKR. He’s probably just telling him about either the pace at which he was bowling or the fields which he should set. Morne Morkel will tactically add a lot to Varun’s game.”
With Varun’s crucial contribution, India now leads the T20I series 1-0. The team’s confidence will be bolstered as they head into the next two matches, with Chakaravarthy’s form likely playing a pivotal role in the upcoming games.
