In the recent Kolkata Knight Riders-Punjab Kings match at Eden Gardens, bowlers found themselves struggling, including Varun Chakaravarthy, a key player for KKR. Despite favorable batting conditions, he couldn’t make much impact, conceding 46 runs in three overs. However, cricket’s unpredictability came into play.
In the following game against Delhi Capitals, Chakaravarthy bounced back impressively. Supported by the pacers who had already weakened the DC batting, he found himself in a favorable position as he began his spell with DC at 73 for 4. This allowed KKR to set aggressive fields, enabling Chakaravarthy to find his rhythm.
Using his trademark variations, Chakaravarthy dismissed key DC batsmen. He deceived Kumar Kushagra with a googly, while Tristan Stubbs fell victim to a well-flighted leg-spinner outside off stump. Rishabh Pant was lured into a false shot by flighting the ball enticingly.
Notably, Chakaravarthy maintained a consistent length, preventing DC batsmen from scoring freely. Despite a missed catch, he restricted Delhi Capitals to just seven runs in an over, showcasing his control and skill.
Reflecting on his journey, Chakaravarthy returned to his strengths this season after experimenting with his game last year. This adjustment has contributed to his success, as highlighted by his coach Sriram Krishnamurthy. Although his performance this season hasn’t matched his previous IPL stats, the batting-friendly conditions are a contributing factor.
Following his impactful performance against DC, Chakaravarthy currently ranks 14th in the list of top wicket-takers. With the league stage nearing its end, this is an opportune moment for him to elevate his game and climb up the leaderboard.
