Aakash Chopra predicts Varun Chakaravarthy's return to India's T20 World Cup plans

Former Indian batter and cricket pandit Aakash Chopra predicted that Varun Chakaravarthy could be on the brink of a sensational comeback into India's reckoning for the next ICC T20 World Cup as this mega event would be held in India.

He made this statement after Varun’s stunning comeback. The mystery spinner has been catching everyone’s attention with his brilliant performances in the ongoing three-match T20I series against Bangladesh at home.

Aakash Chopra backs Varun Chakaravarthy for T20 World Cup comeback after stellar comeback

After a disappointing 2021 T20 World Cup, Chakaravarthy was dropped from the Indian cricket team, and he was recalled to the side only after three years, and he is now making waves with his remarkable show in the ongoing T20I series.

After returning with a three-wicket haul in the first T20I in Gwalior, Chakaravarthy's magic with the ball was yet again on full display in the second T20I against Bangladesh, as he delivered an impressive spell of 2/19 in four overs to play his role in India’s 86-run win in Delhi.

Varun Chakaravarthy's ability to restrict the opposition with pinpoint accuracy and deceptive deliveries has reignited the conversation about his future in India's T20I plans, especially with the next T20 World Cup being held at home in 2026.

Well, the Indian spinner’s resurgence couldn't have come at a better time. After being sidelined for nearly three years, his five-wicket haul in just two games of the ongoing T20I series against Bangladesh has sparked hopes of him becoming a key player once again.

The commentator has mentioned that Chakaravarthy's bowling in the second T20I was a lot better in Delhi, where he showcased his newfound confidence and consistency, particularly in attacking the stumps, which is a significant improvement from his previous outing in Gwalior.

Why do you want to play Varun Chakaravarthy?

With India hosting the next T20 World Cup 2026 on home soil, Chakaravarthy’s comeback could be just what the team needs in their spin department, according to Aakash Chopra, as the Indian spinner is ready to write a new chapter in his journey.

Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel: “Varun Chakaravarthy, 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.”

Chopra further noted, “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 Chakaravarthy? After two years, the next World Cup will be in India only.”

Ideally, Yuzvendra Chahal should have still been in the scheme: Aakash Chopra

The cricket expert Aakash Chopra also said that Yuzvendra Chahal should ideally still be part of India's plans, especially considering Varun Chakaravarthy's inclusion at the age of 33, as the leg-spinner is also doing well in the franchise cricket.

Chopra further said that Chahal, who was selected for the T20 World Cup 2024 but didn't get a chance to play, hasn't done anything to be dropped from the side. He feels Chahal deserves his chance with India, given his consistent performances in the IPL for the past couple of seasons.

Chopra signed off by saying, “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.”