"It was not that good" - Axar Patel mocks Varun Chakravarthy after his fifer vs NZ
Published - 03 Mar 2025, 02:00 PM | Updated - 03 Mar 2025, 02:06 PM
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India National Cricket Team all-rounder Axar Patel lavished rich praise on Varun Chakravarthy for his heroics with the ball during the game against New Zealand National Cricket Team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He was in awe of the way the spinner made his comeback into the team.
India National Cricket Team spinner Varun Chakravarthy was at his best with the ball in the game against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The mystery spinner was included in the XI in place of Harshit Rana, who was rested for the last league game.
Varun Chakravarthy turned out to be an X-factor for India
Chakravarthy turned out to be an X factor for India as he completely changed the course of the game with his heroics with the ball. He didn't take long to make an impact as he first removed Will Young, and after that, he didn't look back.
Chakravarthy spun the web around the New Zealand National Cricket Team batters and didn't let them settle at all. He went on to take a fifer, removing Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry to return with the figures of 5/32 in what was his second ODI.
Chakravarthy was trolled a lot the last time he played for India in Dubai. The mystery spinner was picked in the team for the T20 World Cup 2021 and he failed to make a mark, as a result of which India faced a group stage exit in the tournament. However, after four years, at the same venue, he proved his worth.
When he played last in the T20 World Cup 2021, it was not that good - Axar Patel on Varun Chakravarthy
Axar Patel admitted that Chakravarthy wasn't good during the T20 World Cup 2021 but was quick to admit that the spinner made a brilliant comeback. He lauded the Tamil Nadu player for his mental skills and while speaking to the media, he said:
"Everyone is happy for him. It was his first match. I think the credit goes to him. It's not that easy. When he played last in the T20 World Cup 2021, it was not that good. But the way he has come after that, his mental skill shows how ready he is mentally. I think he is getting carried forward in his one-day cricket as well."
It is very difficult to read from his hand - Axar Patel on Varun Chakravarthy
Axar Patel admitted that it is very difficult for batters to read from Varun Chakravarthy's hand. He pointed out that the spinner's pace is very difficult to pick. He elaborated:
“It is very difficult to read from his hand. And the pace with which he bowls is very difficult. So, I think, if a batter misses (the line), there is a higher chance of getting out. He is fast in the air also."
With the kind of performance that he put, Varun Chakravarthy would've made his case strong for the semi-final. It remains to be seen if he gets an opportunity to play against Australia or not.
