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Ashwin: Varun Chakaravarthy's Confidence Dips When Batters Attack Him

Ravichandran Ashwin has pointed out that spinner Varun Chakaravarthy's confidence plummets when batters attack him early in his spell. The veteran's comments follow Chakaravarthy's expensive figures of 1/64 in the semi-final against England, a joint-second-most expensive spell in T20 World Cup history. Ashwin specifically advised Chakaravarthy to avoid bowling round the wicket to left-handed batters as a tactical adjustment. India, having defended 253 runs to win that semi-final, now prepares to face New Zealand in the tournament final in Ahmedabad.

Key Points: Ashwin on Varun Chakaravarthy's Confidence Issue

  • Ashwin critiques Chakaravarthy's confidence
  • Advises against round-the-wicket to left-handers
  • Chakaravarthy recorded costly spell of 1/64
  • India to face NZ in T20 World Cup final
2 min read

Varun Chakaravarthy's confidence goes down once he gets attacked, says Ashwin

R Ashwin says Varun Chakaravarthy's confidence drops when attacked by batters, advises tactical changes ahead of T20 World Cup final.

"Every time he gets attacked upfront, the confidence is going down further - Ravichandran Ashwin"

New Delhi, March 6

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Varun Chakaravarthy's confidence goes down as he gets attacked upfront from the batters.

Ashwin, ahead of India's title defence of the T20 World Cup against New Zealand, suggested that Chakaravarthy should not bowl from round the wicket to the left-hander.

Ashwin's remarks come after India entered the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating England by seven runs in the semi-final held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. Chakaravarthy recorded an unwanted record during the match.

Chakaravarthy conceded 64 runs and took only one wicket while India defended a mammoth total of 253 runs. It was the joint-second-most expensive bowling spell in a T20 World Cup match. He joined Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya, who recorded the bowling figures of 0/64 against Pakistan in Johannesburg in 2007.

"What is happening with Varun is not that teams are attacking him or picking him. Everyone knows that Adil Rashid has a googly. This happens with every cricketer. But if this happens, you have to be tactical. You cannot miss the lengths. Line and length variations with speed variations are important. Varun has to be spoken to," Ashwin said on 'Ash ki Baat'. "Every time he gets attacked upfront, the confidence is going down further, because he knows he is catching up. I am tired of saying this again and again. From the last few games, I am saying this. Do not bowl from round the wicket to the left-hander," he added.

The worst-ever bowling figure in a T20 World Cup match was recorded in this tournament when Saurabh Netravalkar of the USA finished with 0/65 against the defending champions India.

Chakravarthy now has the joint second-most expensive returns for India in all T20Is after 0/68 by Prasidh Krishna against Australia (Guwahati, 2023) and alongside 0/64 for Yuzvendra Chahal vs South Africa (Durban, 2018).

Defending champions India and New Zealand are set to face each other in the final of the T20 World Cup on Sunday, March 8, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The two teams also made it to the final of the Champions Trophy in 2025 and, almost exactly a year later, will again lock horns in the summit clash of an ICC event.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's tough to see a talented bowler struggle like this. 64 runs in a T20 spell is brutal. But Ashwin's advice seems very technical and specific. Maybe Varun just needs to back his stock ball more instead of trying too many things.
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Arjun K
Yaar, this is a bit harsh from Ashwin bhai, no? Putting it out publicly before a World Cup final. Shouldn't this be an internal team discussion? We need to boost Varun's confidence, not make him overthink. 🏏
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Priyanka N
The pressure of playing for India is immense. One bad game and everyone is an expert. Remember, he's been a match-winner for KKR. Form is temporary, class is permanent. He'll bounce back!
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Karthik V
Ashwin knows spin bowling inside out. If he's saying "don't bowl round the wicket to left-handers," you better listen. It's a tactical gem. Hope Varun and the coaches are watching Ash ki Baat!
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Michael C
Interesting perspective. In international cricket, batters study bowlers meticulously. Varun's variations might be getting predictable. He needs a new trick or two, and maybe just simpler, better-executed plans.

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