‘Next World Cup will be in India only’ – Aakash Chopra predicts Varun Chakravarthy’s future after comeback in Bangladesh T20Is

Varun Chakravarthy. (Source – BCCI)

Varun Chakravarthy donned the Indian jersey after a hiatus of three years with the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior on October 6. He picked three wickets in Gwalior and he picked two wickets conceding 19 runs in the second T20I. He has been an integral part of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL and has been part of the franchise since 2020.

As the former KKR mentor, Gautam Gambhir has become the Head Coach of the Indian team, Varun’s national prospects have taken a different turn for all the good reasons. Former India cricketer, Aakash Chopra has dissected the comeback of the spinner. He added that the reason for his induction into the team is foreseeing the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in India.

Also Read: Chakaravarthy reflects on importance of competition in domestic circuit

“Varun Chakravarthy, is he back, big question, because he is making a comeback after three years. In the first match, he probably got one or two wickets on balls that weren’t wicket-taking, which is good. He picked up three wickets. In the second match, he actually bowled better than the first match,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

“He bowled with more confidence and greater consistency. He continuously bowled within the three stumps. The signs thus far are very good. Why do you want to play Varun Chakravarthy? After two years, the next World Cup will be in India only,” he added.

You selected Chahal for World Cup but didn’t play him: Chopra 

Ravindra Jadeja announced his retirement from the T20Is after the T20 World Cup win. This meant that the extra spinner slot was open for the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar. But the management went ahead with Chakaravarthy for the Bangladesh series and Chopra questioned Chahal not being in the scheme of things.

Also Read: Rinku credits his domestic stint after Delhi masterclass

“Ideally, Yuzi Chahal should have still been in the scheme. If Varun Chakaravarthy can be at 33, why not Yuzi Chahal? You selected him for the World Cup but didn’t play him, and he hasn’t done anything wrong. He gives outstanding IPLs one season after another. However, you don’t give him chances, but that may be to do with something I don’t know about,” he concluded.