IND v ENG 2025: “Don't think the toss went against us,” says Varun Chakravarthy after India’s loss in third T20I

Chakravarthy's five-wicket haul went in vain in the third T20I at Rajkot.

By Salman Anjum - 29 Jan, 2025

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy emphasized India’s commitment to their long-term objectives despite a defeat in the Rajkot T20I against England.

Chakravarthy reckons there is still time to find a rhythm and try out different batting combinations with two games remaining in the series.

"We have to win two matches because we have to settle down a few more games and we have to test and try for other batsmen also," Chakravarthy said in the post-match presser.

He dismissed claims that the toss was a major factor in the outcome of the match, highlighting that India had won their last two games while chasing.

"Sir, I don't think the toss went against us because that's what we have done the last two matches and we won," he explained.

Chakravarthy pointed out the unpredictable nature of Twenty20 cricket, stressing that outcomes might go either way.

"And that's the nature of the game, sir. The last match also went close. We could have ended up losing, and this match we could have ended up winning," he said.

Varun 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.

Chakravarthy defended India's strategy, saying that the team is dedicated to playing aggressive brand of cricket.

"T20 is supposed to be aggressive. You can't complain much, and it is a very result-oriented game. So, I get what you are trying to say, but this is how they have decided to play, and this is the brand of cricket the Indian team wants to play, and they are doing it well," he concluded.

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).

By Salman Anjum - 29 Jan, 2025

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