Suryakumar Yadav dismisses concerns over Varun Chakaravarthy’s form ahead of T20 World Cup final: ‘He’s world’s No. 1'

Varun Chakaravarthy was in good form in the group stage, taking 12 wickets in four matches. But in the Super 8s and semifinal, he lost his form.

Updated on: Mar 7, 2026, 21:17:03 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Suryakumar Yadav backed out-of-form spinner Varun Chakaravarthy ahead of India's T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Chakaravarthy was exposed during the semifinal victory against England, returning with figures of 1/64 in four overs. Jacob Bethell smacked him for 41 off 13 balls.

Suryakumar Yadav spoke about Varun Chakaravarthy's poor form. (Sportz Asia)

He was in good form in the group stage, taking 12 wickets in four matches. But in the Super 8s, he lost his form, and his economy rate increased to 10.16. Despite his poor form, he is still the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 13 wickets from eight matches, at an economy rate of 8.86.

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‘Varun’s form is not a concern': Suryakumar Yadav

Ahead of the final, there has been speculation that Kuldeep Yadav might replace Varun in the playing XI in Ahmedabad. Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Suryakumar revealed that 'Varun's form is not a concern', without dropping any hint of changes in the playing XI.

"Varun’s form is not a concern. We are not worried about him; it’s a team sport. We are focusing on winning the game. We don’t think about that much; we won the match. He is the world’s No. 1 bowler; he knows how to make this team win. Anyone can have a bad day. When someone has a bad day, the other members step up. Not 11 guys can have a good day. We'll see tomorrow about the changes," he said.

Even Mitchell Santner backed Varun in New Zealand's pre-match press conference. The opposition skipper noted that his team is wary of Varun's threat, despite Varun's poor form. Calling him a good bowler, Santner felt that he was only one game away from finding his form again.

Varun's best figures in this tournament are his 3/7 against Namibia. If he keeps his place in the playing XI, he will look to find his usual consistency again, but it also depends on the surface in Ahmedabad.

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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