The mystery spinner of Team India, Varun Chakravarthy, made his international debut in the 1st T20I against Sri Lanka on Sunday (25th July). Varun was earlier dropped from the England T20I series at home as he failed to clear the mandatory fitness tests set by BCCI.
Finally making his debut, the right-arm spinner had a decent outing as he conceded just 27 runs and picked up his maiden international wicket. Varun removed the captain of Sri Lanka, Dasun Shanaka, in the last over of his spell thanks to Ishan Kishan's lightning-fast stumping.
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra and the legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan spoke to ESPN Cricinfo on Chakravarthy’s performance on his debut match. Chopra shared that the mystery spinner was indeed under a lot of pressure and had an ‘alright debut’.
“This is the first game he is playing and everybody is likely to go for runs. It’s the shortest format, they’ve got butterflies in the stomach. It’s not easy to play your first game for India when you have been waiting like… he’s been living this dream forever.” Chopra said.
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“Started as a wicketkeeper, then fast bowler, injuries and then he went out. He could have made his debut 8-10 months ago in Australia but he missed the bus and then failed the fitness test. And he finally gets the nod. We can have some sympathy with the kid who can actually be under pressure,” the former Indian opener added.
“Asalanka batted well. In fact, Karunaratne batted well for a little while. So, you were definitely under the pump. And then you finish with less than 8 an over and get a wicket. I think it’s an alright debut. Of course, three or four-wicket may have been a lot brilliant but it’s a T20 game. More often than not you go for runs,” said Aakash Chopra.
The Lankan legend Muralitharan highlighted that Varun gave a ‘good performance’ on his international debut even though he didn’t turn the ball much.
“It’s not going to be easy for him to start because T20 is a harder game and they will come after. He doesn’t turn much, so, if there is a chance of reading him, definitely can go after him. He bowled decently and I would take it anytime under 30 for 1 wicket in a T20 game. It’s a very good performance for the debutant. He will also have a lot of confidence in the future matches if he is going to play regularly, he’ll get better and better,” said Muttiah Muralitharan.
The second T20I of the three-match series will be played on Wednesday (28th July) at the same venue and it will be interesting to see if the Indian mystery spinner can carry the confidence or the Sri Lankan batsmen will dominate him.
(Inputs from Hindustan Times)
