India's innings was restricted to 145/9 in reply to England's 171/9.
Chakravarthy’s sensational figures of 5 for 24 in 4 overs helped the hosts restrict England to 171/9 in the first innings. However, it went in vain as the Indian batting line-up collapsed in the chase that ensued.
Sanju Samson (3), Abhishek Sharma (24) and Suryakumar Yadav (14) were dismissed in the powerplay, while the in-form Tilak Varma (18) couldn’t add anything substantial either.
Hardik Pandya fought hard to keep India in the contest, but struggled to keep the scoreboard ticking at a consistent pace. In the end, England managed to defend the total and seal a comfortable 26-run victory.
Jamie Overton (3-24 in 4 overs), Brydon Carse (2-28 in 4 overs), Jofra Archer (2-33 in 4 overs), Adil Rashid (1-15 in 4 overs) and Mark Wood (1-29 in 3 overs) were among the wickets for the visitors.
After the loss, Chakravarthy expressed his disappointment that India failed to chase down the target on a good batting wicket.
“Sad we didn't make it this match, but that's nature of this game. Got to move on and get ready for the next match,” Chakravarthy said in the post-match interview.
Reflecting on his performance, the mystery spinner said, “When you are playing for the country, you have to take responsibility. I am able to do that to an extent. I don't complain (about one over spells), because there have been times when I have bowled four overs on the trot.”
While Varun Chakravarthy is happy with his bowling display, he wants to get better going forward.
“I am ready for everything. Working on my flipper, it's coming out well. As I told you in the previous match, maybe I have bowled well, but I can get better going forward,” Chakravarthy remarked.
Despite the loss in Rajkot, India are leading the five-match series 2-1. The penultimate T20I will be played in Pune on Friday (January 31).