Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels Varun Chakravarthy’s recent dip in form is a concern, but believes the mystery spinner can bounce back when India face West Indies in their must-win Super 8 clash in Kolkata.
Varun has been one of India’s standout performers in the tournament overall, picking up 11 wickets in six matches at an economy of 7.20, making him the fifth-highest wicket-taker so far. However, his impact has dipped in the Super 8 stage, where he has not been as effective as he was earlier in the competition.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan pointed out that Varun’s recent struggles have stemmed from inconsistency in length, particularly against right-handers.
“The concern remains Varun Chakravarthy. About 63% of his deliveries were too short. He usually bowls a shorter length compared to traditional spinners, but not this short. In the last two matches, he has bowled fuller to left-handers but too short to right-handers. If this is a conscious tactical shift, it could complicate things,” Pathan said.
However, Pathan backed Varun to turn things around at Eden Gardens.
“Against West Indies in Kolkata — a pitch he knows well — he can bounce back. Just a slight adjustment in length, maybe come closer to the stumps around the wicket to left-handers, and he’ll be back. If he picks up an early wicket, he can create serious pressure,” he added.
