Chakaravarthy Shines Despite India's Loss to South Africa

Varun Chakaravarthy achieved a career milestone, claiming his best-ever bowling figures of 5/17 at St George’s Park, a showcase of skill and precision. However, his stellar performance wasn’t enough to prevent South Africa from securing a three-wicket victory with an over to spare, evening the series at 1-1 with two matches left.

India’s modest total of 124/6 gave their bowlers little support, and South Africa looked set for an easy win. Yet, it was Chakaravarthy’s remarkable spell that kept the game competitive.

During a post-match press conference, Chakaravarthy shared that Suryakumar Yadav had encouraged the team to focus on playing aggressively without worrying about the outcome. Chakaravarthy reflected on their efforts, admitting they “gave it their best” and came close to an upset.

In T20 cricket, however, results are decisive. While India had dominated their previous game at Kingsmead, they now face the pressure of avoiding another close defeat, which would put the four-match series out of reach. Chakaravarthy acknowledged the unpredictable nature of T20 games and noted that India’s experience in high-stakes IPL matches prepared them for such situations.

Looking ahead to the final games, Chakaravarthy stressed the need for an aggressive approach, especially when defending low totals. His strategy for the remaining matches is clear: prioritise taking wickets to tilt the game in India’s favour.

Chakaravarthy’s journey to this form hasn’t been easy. His initial T20I appearances saw only two wickets across six games, limiting his effectiveness. As a result, he was absent from India’s T20I lineup for nearly two years. His comeback started against Bangladesh, where he took 3/31 in Gwalior and followed with another strong performance in Delhi. These displays earned him a spot on the South Africa tour.

Reflecting on his improved form, Chakaravarthy credited intense video analysis and technical adjustments, revealing he spent years refining his bowling style, shifting from side-spin to over-spin for better control. This disciplined approach to his craft, rooted in his background as an architect, has brought him success.

Though the team’s loss overshadowed his achievement, Chakaravarthy knows his career-best figures can still improve. He may not have dedicated his performance to his son, whose birthday he shares with Tristan Stubbs' mother, but he understands that in cricket, personal records are fleeting, and more achievements may lie ahead as the series continues.