Irfan Pathan said that the Indian team management needs to tell Varun Chakravarthy to switch off ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 final after his poor run of form continued. Coming into the tournament as the World’s No.1 T20I bowler and picking up nine wickets in the first phase of the competition. However, since the Super 8s began, the spinner had conceded 122 runs from his 12 overs in the matches against South Africa, Zimbabwe and the West Indies.
At Wankhede, Varun was once again taken to the cleaners by the England batters, conceding 64 runs in his four overs for just one wicket. Despite this, the spinner is the joint-leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 13 wickets to his name from eight matches at an average of 19.07. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan said that bringing Varun into the right frame of mind will be key for India heading into the final.
The former all-rounder said he wouldn’t allow Varun even to make it to the ground for practice sessions and keep his interactions short with the management. Pathan said bring Varun straight for the final.
“Now the next challenge is New Zealand in the final. India will have to plan their strategy carefully. One important factor will be bringing Varun Chakravarthy back into the right frame of mind. His confidence seems low right now.”
“If I were part of the Indian camp, I would let him switch off completely for two days. I wouldn’t even let too many people talk to him or let him come to the ground. Just bring him straight into the final with a fresh mind and positive energy. Practice won’t change much in one day anyway. That’s my opinion,” said Pathan.
