Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy redeemed himself with an economical three-wicket haul against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Eden Gardens on April 29. Chakaravarthy’s timely strikes caused a batting collapse and helped KKR restrict DC to a below-par score on a pitch that had assistance for spinners. It was a quick turnaround for Chakaravarthy who was hit for 46 runs from three overs by Punjab Kings (PBKS) batters in the record-breaking run chase a few days ago. After winning the ‘Player of the match’ award, Chakaravarthy revealed that KKR team owner Shah Rukh Khan and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar motivated him.
“In the last game after conceding so many runs, it was a tough pill to take but the whole team motivated us. Abhishek Nayar and even Shahrukh Khan came and spoke to me, definitely motivated us,” he said in the post-match presentation.
The match-up against Pant
He got the wicket of DC skipper Rishabh Pant in the middle overs. However, he feels that the ball on which he got dropped was a better one.
“It was holding a bit, as the game progressed in the 2nd innings, it was turning as well. When the catch was dropped, I felt that was a better ball, and the one I got him, on other grounds, it would have gone for a six. Cricket has become a game of fine margins,” the 32-year-old added.
Stubbs’ wicket his best
However, it was not Pant’s wicket he liked the most. He got the wicket of an in-form Tristan Stubbs who is capable of scoring at a rapid rate.
“I liked Tristan Stubbs' wicket. I planned to bowl the legspinner to him and it worked out,” he revealed.
Chakaravarthy also suggested that cheerleaders dancing should be limited to sixes these days.
“They should start dancing only for the sixers and not for the fours,” he signed off.
He has taken 11 wickets from nine games so far. The spinner will be seen in action again on May 3 at Wankhede Stadium against Mumbai Indians (MI). Currently, KKR are placed second on the points table with six wins from nine games.
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