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India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has had a few off days in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after a stellar show in the initial group stage. While Chakravarthy is still India’s leading wicket-taker in the ongoing edition, he has been expensive in all three games at the Super 8 stage, especially against South Africa. But, his mentor Pratheepan isn't worried about him ahead of the semifinal clash against familiar foe England.
“I went through the data. I can boldly say he is bowling well. The data will tell you that,” Pratheepan told The Indian Express.
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Pratheepan revealed that he has been in constant touch with Chakravarthy throughout the tournament. The two haven't talked about making any changes yet.
“What do I tell him? What more you expect out of a mystery spinner?” Pratheepan asks. “If you look at the pitches, there hasn’t been much deviation. If someone else is getting deviation and he isn’t, then we can say maybe we can do something. Varun knows that. He isn’t worried.”
Angles in Chakravarthy’s favour?
However, Chakravarthy may be looking to use 'angles' to get more deviation from the wicket.
“You can create angles to get deviation,” Pratheepan explains. “Trajectory, crease, over the wicket and around—there are multiple options. Just because of two games, you can’t cut down the process that has helped him climb the ladder.”
Chakravarthy’s record against England
The angles can turn out to be Chakravarthy’s trump card as batters have tried hitting him against the line, rocking on the back foot and hitting him straight. The mystery spinner will gain confidence from his T20I record against England. Not long ago, he made England skipper Harry Brook his bunny. But, Brook looks more potent now, having scored an unbeaten century in a run chase against Pakistan in spin-friendly conditions of Sri Lanka. Also, Will Jacks’ current form is a big positive.
Last year, Chakravarthy played in the five-T20I series against England, claiming 14 wickets at an average of 9.85, featuring a fifer. His economy rate against them is 7.66 runs per over. The last time Chakravarthy played against England at Wankhede Stadium, he was expensive in two overs but claimed wickets of Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone.
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