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Santner Backs Varun Chakaravarthy Ahead of T20 WC Final Despite Form Slump

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has publicly backed Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy ahead of the T20 World Cup final, despite his recent expensive outings. Santner argued that bowling on flat pitches is a universal challenge and that any bowler can have a tough day. Chakaravarthy's form has dipped sharply after a brilliant group stage, raising concerns for India. The final will see India aiming for a record third title while New Zealand seeks their first championship win.

Key Points: Santner on Varun's Form: 'One Game From Changing Tide'

  • Santner defends Varun after expensive semi-final
  • Notes challenge of bowling on flat wickets
  • Varun's form dipped after strong group stage
  • Final pits India's quest for third title vs NZ's first
  • Both teams had dramatic paths to the final
2 min read

T20 WC: 'He is only one game away from changing the tide,' says Santner on Varun's poor form

NZ skipper Mitchell Santner defends India's Varun Chakaravarthy ahead of the T20 World Cup final, saying the spinner is just one match away from returning to form.

T20 WC: 'He is only one game away from changing the tide,' says Santner on Varun's poor form
"He is only one game away from changing the tide. - Mitchell Santner"

Ahmedabad, March 7

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner believes India's Varun Chakaravarthy can still be a threat for his side in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, saying that it will only take one match for the mystery spinner to get back in form.

Speaking ahead of the title clash, Santner, who is New Zealand's spin spearhead, defended Varun after he conceded 64 runs against England in the semi-final. The New Zealand skipper said bowling on a flat wicket is always difficult, and any bowler can have a tough day.

"I mean, we've all seen how good he is, and I think the challenge for any bowler is when it is flat, what does it look like when it's spinning and when it's seaming, it's obviously a challenge for every batter but when it is flat what does that look like and I think everyone goes for 60 on their day," Santner said in the pre match press conference.

"So I think it's, again, for Varun, and I think he's got to know that he's still a very good bowler, and is only one game away from changing the tide. And it's the same with any bowler or any batter. If they're out of form, they're only one game away from being back in form," he added.

The world No.1 bowler Chakaravarthy was in excellent form during the group stage of the tournament. He took nine wickets in four matches and maintained an economy rate of 5.2. His timely breakthroughs helped India stay unbeaten in the group stage.

However, his performance dipped after that. In the three Super 8 stage matches and the semi-final, he managed only four wickets. He has also been expensive in those games, conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.6, which has created some concern for the Indian team.

India and New Zealand have taken similar paths to the semifinals. India topped their preliminary group stage and then scampered into the last-four stage, beating the West Indies in a must-win clash, while New Zealand qualified on the basis of better Net Run Rate after a tie on four points with Pakistan in the Super 8 stage.

India are hoping to become the first country to win the prestigious title thrice, while the BlackCaps are looking to claim their maiden crown.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Respect to Santner for saying this. It shows great sportsmanship. But honestly, as an Indian fan, I'm worried. An economy of 11.6 in the last few matches is a huge concern. Hope the team management has a solid backup plan if he has another off day.
R
Rohit P
This is classic mind games from the Kiwi captain! Praising the opponent's struggling player to maybe get inside his head or lull us into a false sense of security. Very clever. Our team needs to be sharp.
S
Sarah B
Watching from the US. The pressure on these athletes is unbelievable. Santner's words are a good reminder that form is temporary. Hoping for a great final!
K
Karthik V
The real test is on a flat Ahmedabad wicket. If it's a batting paradise, even Bumrah might go for runs. We shouldn't put all the blame on Varun. It's a team game. Our batting needs to fire and put up a big total.
M
Meera T
True champion spirit from Santner. But let's be real, we need Varun to find his mystery again. Those carrom balls were unplayable earlier. Maybe he's overthinking? Just go out and bowl, beta! The whole country is with you. 💙

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