Anil Kumble warns Varun Chakravarthy could ruin India’s T20 World Cup dream

The India National Cricket Team is just one step away from lifting the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy, but the struggles of the mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy have left many worried.

The defending champions will face the New Zealand National Cricket Team in the T20 World Cup 2026 Final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8, and every bowler must deliver on the big night to script history.

It is a bit of a concern for India: Anil Kumble on Varun Chakravarthy

However, Varun Chakravarthy’s sudden dip in form has raised a serious question before the title clash. The mystery spinner has lost his charm since the Super 8 stage began, conceding more than 40 runs in his four overs against the West Indies and England.

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Ahead of the summit clash, the legendary spinner Anil Kumble believes that Varun Chakravarthy’s struggles could create extra pressure on India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. The former Indian head coach pointed out that if Chakravarthy fails, New Zealand will freely score in the middle overs.

Anil Kumble said on ESPNCricinfo, "Yes, it is a bit of a concern for India because he's been their go-to bowler; he's been their wicket-taking bowler in the middle overs. Obviously, it starts putting extra pressure on Jasprit Bumrah. So, it's not easy when the opposition sort of now looks at India and says, "Okay, it's only Jasprit Bumrah's four overs that we need to be worried about, not necessarily Varun." Not easy from an Indian captain's perspective.”

Faf du Plessis points out India’s biggest weakness before T20 World Cup 2026 Final

Meanwhile, former South African skipper Faf du Plessis pointed out that India usually relies heavily on its main five bowlers. But if one of them struggles badly, the captain is forced to look at a sixth bowling option, which has been the Men in Blue’s weakness in this tournament.

That means rival teams can target weaker overs and put India’s bowling attack under huge pressure. Faf du Plessis said during the same discussion: “Makes a difference in terms of that sixth bowling option. When you back your five bowlers, you're hoping that they're delivering in every match.”

The Proteas star added, “And, these last two-three games, there's been a bit of concern around his form. So now, if you're playing your match-ups really well, you can really expose that fourth and fifth bowler to bring someone as your sixth bowler in on the day.”

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Ravichandran Ashwin explains why batters target Varun Chakravarthy early

Earlier, Ravichandran Ashwin said that Varun Chakravarthy’s confidence drops whenever batters start attacking him early in the spell, which makes it harder for the mystery spinner to stay calm and control the game.

The former off-spinner feels the leg-spinner should avoid bowling from around the wicket to left-handed batters, as it gives them a better angle to attack. Ashwin feels the Indian team management needs to talk to Varun and help him adjust his tactics as soon as possible.

Ashwin said on "Ash ki Baat": “You cannot miss the lengths. Line and length variations with speed variations are important. Varun has to be spoken to. Do not bowl from round the wicket to the left-hander.”