Santner refuses to write off out-of-form India bowler before T20 World Cup final: ‘One game away from changing the tide’

In the semifinals against England, the Indian bowler ended the day with 1/64 in four overs. Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell smacked him for 41 off 13 balls.

Published on: Mar 7, 2026, 15:44:16 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Varun Chakaravarthy was in poor form in the Super 8 Stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup, despite building a good momentum in the group stage. He also had an expensive spell in the semifinals against England, and he was visibly exposed by Jacob Bethell. But ahead of the final, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner backed the India spinner and revealed that his side hasn't written him off yet.

India celebrate a wicket against West Indies during the Super 8 stage. (Hindustan Times)

New Zealand defeated South Africa in the semifinals, and India beat England. India are the favourites, but will be wary of New Zealand's threat, having lost to them in key matches in ICC tournaments in the past.

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir told to give ‘break’ to Abhishek Sharma for T20 World Cup final: ‘He's not a finished product'

"For any bowler, when the pitch is flat, it’s a challenge. When it’s spinning or seaming, it can trouble the batters, but on a flat surface it becomes difficult for bowlers. I think everyone can go for 60 on their day," said Santner.

Varun showcased his brilliance in the group stage, taking 12 wickets in four matches. But in the Super 8s, he lost that momentum, and his economy rate increased to 10.16. In the 72 balls he bowled in that phase, he managed only 20 dot balls. In the semifinals, he ended the day with 1/64 in four overs. Meanwhile, Bethell smacked him for 41 off 13 balls.

‘One game away from changing the tide’

"For Varun, he has to know that he is still a very good bowler. He is just one game away from changing the tide. It’s the same with any bowler or batter. If you are out of form, you are only one game away from being back. So it’s about going out there and proving it. It’s always a challenge, but days like that happen. It doesn’t get much harder than that. You can bank on that experience going into the next game. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you think about what it looks like and whether you can do things slightly differently," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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