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Pathan Slams Chakaravarthy's "No Answer" Bowling in India's T20 WC Loss to SA

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan was highly critical of mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy's performance in India's Super 8 loss to South Africa. Pathan noted Chakaravarthy looked clueless when attacked, conceding 47 runs for just one wicket. He contrasted this with South African spinner Keshav Maharaj, who took three wickets on the same pitch. Pathan also highlighted Hardik Pandya's costly final over as a key momentum shift in the Proteas' victory.

Key Points: Irfan Pathan Criticizes Varun Chakaravarthy After India's T20 WC Loss

  • Varun Chakaravarthy conceded 47 runs
  • SA ended India's 12-match unbeaten run
  • Irfan Pathan critical of bowling attack
  • Keshav Maharaj's 3-wicket haul pivotal
  • Hardik Pandya's final over shifted momentum
2 min read

"He had no answer": Irfan Pathan speaks on Varun Chakaravarthy's unsuccessful outing against Proteas in T20 WC clash

Irfan Pathan expressed disappointment in spinner Varun Chakaravarthy's performance after South Africa ended India's unbeaten T20 World Cup streak.

"When he was attacked, he had no answer, which was somewhat disappointing. - Irfan Pathan"

Ahmedabad, February 23

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed disappointment after India's mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy's unsuccessful outing against South Africa in their first Super 8 fixture in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Pathan noted that Chakaravarthy was clueless once the Proteas batters took on the mystery spinner. He also said that the Ahmedabad pitch didn't offer much for the spinners, but South Africa's Keshav Maharaj also took three wickets, which turned the match on its head.

Chakaravarthy was taken on by David Miller and Dewald Brevis in the middle overs. The mystery spinner gave 47 runs in his four-over spell while scalping only one wicket.

South Africa snapped India's 12-match unbeaten streak at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup as they handed the defending champions a 76-run defeat in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

"Apart from Bumrah, nothing much stood out in the bowling, except for the new spell bowled by Arshdeep. The most disappointing aspect was Varun Chakaravarthy. When he was attacked, he had no answer, which was somewhat disappointing. Surely, there wasn't much spin in the pitch, but even Maharaj managed to take three wickets. That was some excellent bowling," Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

Pathan also felt that Hardik Pandya, who gave away 20 overs in the last over, completely shifted the momentum towards South Africa as he was not aiming to bowl yorkers to Tristan Stubbs, which allowed him to open up his arms.

"Towards the end, when the score reached 167 and 19 overs were done, Hardik came to bowl the final over. He bowled to Tristan Stubbs in the way he prefers, slightly short, slightly into the pitch, giving the batsman a chance to open their hands. He did not aim too much at the yorker, and because of that, Tristan Stubbs took advantage and hit runs freely. That completely shifted the momentum back to the dressing room," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's a bit harsh to single out Varun. The entire bowling unit had an off day except Bumrah. The pitch was flat and South Africa batted brilliantly. We'll bounce back! 💙
A
Aman W
Hardik's last over was the real turning point. Giving 20 runs! As a senior bowler, he should know better than to bowl into Stubbs' arc. Very poor game awareness.
S
Sarah B
Watching from the US. The difference in quality between the spin attacks was stark. India's spinners were supposed to be our strength at home. Hope they analyze this quickly before the next match.
K
Karthik V
Yaar, one bad match and everyone is an expert. Varun has won us many games. Form is temporary, class is permanent. Let's support our team instead of this negativity.
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Nisha Z
The real issue is team selection. Why play two mystery spinners if the pitch isn't helping? Should have played a proper all-rounder or an extra pacer. Management needs to be flexible.

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