NEW DELHI:
Varun Chakravarthy’s Form Concerns
During the initial matches of the T20 World Cup, Varun Chakravarthy was a standout performer for India with the ball, effectively deceiving batters and taking wickets. However, as the tournament has progressed, his control has noticeably faltered. His lengths have become erratic, leading to an increased flow of runs, which raises concerns for the team ahead of the final against New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
Struggles in the Semi-Final
His recent performance in the semi-final against England has exacerbated worries. Despite the spin-friendly conditions, Chakravarthy struggled, ending the match with disappointing figures of 4-0-64-1. His failure to maintain length and find his rhythm has put his confidence in question, a situation that does not bode well for captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir.
Wicket-Taking Statistics
Chakravarthy is currently tied as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 13 wickets. Initially, he took nine wickets in the first four matches with a commendable economy rate of 5.17. However, his form has dipped significantly in the last four games, yielding only four wickets at an economy rate of 11.63.
Analysis of Bowling Choices
When Chakravarthy maintains a good length and targets the stumps, he has been effective, conceding only 128 runs over 118 balls at an economy of 6.50. Unfortunately, his decision to bowl either short or full has backfired, costing him 66 runs from 27 full deliveries and 50 runs from 22 shorter balls.
Shifts in Performance
Breaking down his performance into two phases—pre- and post-South Africa—reveals a stark contrast. Initially, he conceded just 37 runs while taking seven wickets from 51 balls. However, after that, his figures in crucial matches have deteriorated, raising concerns about his ability to adapt to various pitch conditions.
Bethell’s Impact
In the recent semi-final, England’s Jacob Bethell succeeded in disrupting Chakravarthy’s rhythm, hammering him for three sixes in a single over. His inability to find consistent length led to Chakravarthy conceding an alarming 42 runs off just 13 balls.
Potential for a Comeback
Despite the recent setbacks, Chakravarthy has consistently demonstrated resilience in his career. The final against New Zealand presents him with a crucial opportunity to regain his rhythm and contribute crucially to India’s performance. If he can align his strategies and rediscover his confidence, a remarkable comeback is still within reach.
