Varun Chakravarthy labelled big-match choker by World Cup winner

While Sanju Samson's stellar batting confirmed Team India's place in the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, overcoming the West Indies' 195, Varun Chakravarthy looked off-color.

After the match, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan explained why Varun Chakravarthy struggled in most of the T20 World Cup 2026 matches.

Irfan Pathan explained why Varun Chakravarthy is losing his momentum

Pathan felt that Varun lost control over his bowling whenever he performed under a little extra pressure.

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Samson was the linchpin for India's much-needed win over West Indies on March 1 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. West Indies went to bat first to score a challenging total of 195 in exchange for only 4 wickets.

In the format, Indian bowler Varun Chakravarthy was widely considered a mystery spinner. But, in the ongoing tournament, the aura around him started to fade away as multiple batters scored against him with ease.

Against the West Indies, Varun Chakravarthy conceded a total of 40 runs in 4 overs, claiming only one wicket. Over the last three matches, the spinner has taken three wickets but has conceded runs at an economy rate of 10.17, which is far away from his peak.

Varun Chakaravarthy will have to find a way to respond: Irfan Pathan

Assessing the star spinner's dip in his recent performances, Pathan stated that he thought Varun Chakravarthy would be able to make a brilliant comeback in Kolkata. Pathan's predictions proved wrong when the spinner concluded his bowling figures with only 1 wicket and leaked 40 runs. The former cricketer believed that, because of pressure, the spinner was losing control over the length.

"As for Varun Chakaravarthy, I felt he would make a comeback on this pitch. However, when he is put under pressure, it seems like he loses control over the length that usually works for him. The batters are playing him well and reading him properly. So now Varun Chakaravarthy will have to find a way to respond and work out a solution", Irfan Pathan claimed, speaking in a YouTube video.

Irfan Pathan was impressed with Axar Patel's bowling vs West Indies

Contradictory, on the same surface, another spinner, Axar Patel bowled well in comparison to Varun. Patel proved to be the most economical bowler against the West Indies, last night. In his four-over spell, he maintained an economy rate of 8.75, without claiming any wickets. Pathan appreciated captain Suryakumar Yadav for effectively utilising Patel.

"At the same time, Axar Patel was also used cleverly. Before the left-handers could come in, he bowled two overs in the powerplay, which was a very good tactical move", the World Cup winner said in the same video after his opinion about Chakravarthy's form.

"In fact, Axar’s economy rate was even better than Bumrah’s; his economy was the best. If the opposition scores 200 and you concede just 35 runs in four overs, even without taking a wicket, you have done a very good job", Pathan said further.

Read More: Sanju Samson, the new Virat Kohli! India, Pakistan legends in awe after T20 World Cup masterclass