Former India spinner Piyush Chawla believes Varun Chakaravarthy has struggled in the last two matches of the T20 World Cup because he hasn’t been consistent with his length.
Chakaravarthy picked up figures of 1/40 against West Indies and 1/64 against England in India’s last two games. With the final against New Zealand coming up in Ahmedabad on Sunday, it remains to be seen whether India sticks with him or brings in left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Where is Varun Chakravarthy lacking in the T20 World Cup 2026?
Sharing his thoughts on JioStar, Chawla said Chakaravarthy may have tried to do too much with the ball, which affected his accuracy.
"I feel sometimes when you get desperate or when you try to do too many things, you end up bowling too full or too short, and that's exactly what's happening with Varun," Chawla said.
How is Chakaravarthy most effective?
He explained that Chakaravarthy is most effective when he bowls a certain length that troubles batters.
"His strength is to bowl that hard length, not the one that fast bowlers bowl, but for a spinner, the good length where the bounce is around knee-high.
"Because with his pace, if the batter is not picking him up from the hand, it becomes really difficult as he's so quick off the surface."
How does Chakaravarthy tend to give away runs?
Chawla, who represented India in 25 ODIs, three Tests and seven T20Is, added that Chakaravarthy tends to give away runs when he misses that length.
"But when you are a little off radar, then you go for plenty, and this is what's been happening with Varun Chakaravarthy in the last couple of games.
"Either he's too full or too short, and with this kind of pace, it becomes easier for the batter to when the bounce is so true on the surface."
India will now face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final which is scheduled to take place at iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.