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Kumble's Spin Secret: Why Varun Must Bowl Away From Right-Handers

Legendary spinner Anil Kumble has offered key advice to India's Varun Chakravarthy ahead of the T20 World Cup semi-final against England. Kumble suggests Chakravarthy should bowl more deliveries that go away from a right-handed batter to make his primary delivery coming back in more dangerous. He notes that batters are now only expecting the ball to come into them, so mixing it up is crucial. Chakravarthy enters the clash as India's highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 12 scalps.

Key Points: Anil Kumble's Tactical Advice for Varun Chakravarthy vs England

  • Kumble's tactical advice for Chakravarthy
  • Mix deliveries going away from right-handers
  • Batters only expecting ball coming in
  • Chakravarthy is India's top wicket-taker
2 min read

Chakravarthy should take the ball away from a right-hander, says Kumble ahead of IND vs ENG T20 WC semi-final clash

Anil Kumble suggests Varun Chakravarthy must bowl more deliveries going away from right-handers to become more dangerous in the T20 WC semi-final.

"Maybe he needs to mix a few balls, which goes away from the right-hander, and then possibly bring that back in. - Anil Kumble"

Mumbai, March 4

Legendary Indian cricketer Anil Kumble has suggested India's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy take the ball away from a right-hander and then try to get the ball coming back into the batter, which Kumble believes will become much more dangerous.

Kumble's remarks came before India's high-voltage clash against England in the semi-final of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

"Maybe the analyst can probably pull out how many times is he looking to actually take the ball away from a right-hander. I haven't seen that much. Maybe that's something that he could potentially do. Then, the ball coming back into the right-hander becomes that much more dangerous," Kumble said as per ESPNcricinfo.

However, Kumble also feels that the batters are not able to pick that every time Chakravarthy bowls, and they are only expecting the ball to come into them.

"Although the batters are not able to pick that every time he bowls, now it seems like the batters are only expecting the ball coming into them, and playing him that way, rather than sort of searching for it. So, maybe he needs to mix a few balls, which goes away from the right-hander, and then possibly bring that back in," Kumble added.

Chakaravarthy is India's highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup 2026 edition. In seven matches, the mystery spinner has scalped 12 wickets at an average of 15.33.

The defending champions qualified for the semi-finals after they defeated the West Indies in the Super 8 fixture at the Eden Gardens.

Sanju Samson's explosive, unbeaten 97-run knock off 50 balls, with the help of 12 fours and four sixes, guided the Men in Blue to a five-wicket win.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting tactical insight. As a casual fan, I love hearing this kind of deep analysis. It shows how much thought goes into the game at the highest level. Hope Varun executes it well!
R
Rohit P
With all due respect to a legend, shouldn't this advice be given privately to the bowler and coaches? Broadcasting it before the semi-final might just alert the England batters and their analysts. 🤔
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Priya S
Jumbo knows best! His mind for spin bowling is unmatched. Varun is our key weapon. If he mixes it up like Kumble says, we are definitely through to the final. The whole country is behind you, boys! 💙
V
Vikram M
True, but let's not overcomplicate things. He's taken 12 wickets doing what he does. Sometimes sticking to your strength is better than trying new things in a high-pressure knockout. Just my two paise.
K
Karthik V
The beauty of having legends like Kumble in the commentary box. We get free masterclasses! This semi-final is going to be a tactical battle. Can't wait for Thursday at the Wankhede!

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