In the opening match of the five-match T20I series between India And England at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the hosts triumphed with a thumping seven-wicket win. India now lead the series 1-0, thanks to a scintillating performance from their ace spinner, Varun Chakrabortywho dismantled England’s batting line-up with his intelligent variations and pinpoint accuracy.
Chakravarthy’s spell was the cornerstone of India’s success. The right-arm leg-spinner completed a remarkable four-over spell, taking three crucial wickets while conceding just 23 runs. His performance earned him the player of the match award and widespread praise from cricket experts, including the former England captain. Michael Vaughan.
Michael Vaughan salutes the genius of Varun Chakravarthy
Impressed by Chakravarthy’s brilliance, Vaughan praised Indian spinner Chakravarthy, highlighting his deft and deceptive skills. The former England batter described the Tamil Nadu bowler as a “lovely mystery bowler” who brings the ball back to the right-handers, occasionally holds one and consistently targets the stumps. Although he is not a great ball returner, his subtle variations make him difficult to play against. Vaughan highlighted Chakravarthy’s consistency and intelligence, urging England to take a different approach to countering him.
“Chakravarthy is a lovely mystery spinner – he somehow brings the ball back to the right-handers. From time to time he brandishes one. He’s not a great bowler of the ball, but he does just enough, which makes it very difficult – he always puts the stumps in play. He’s very consistent and also very intelligent. England need to find a different method to try and put him under pressure.” said Vaughan in an interview with Cricbuzz.
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Vaughan praises Chakravarthy’s expertise
Vaughan further expressed his admiration for Chakravarthy’s bowling, highlighting his understated and old-fashioned celebration style of simply walking away after taking a wicket. “I love watching him play because when he gets a wicket, he doesn’t celebrate. He sort of goes off in a sort of old-fashioned celebration, ” ancient English captain added.