Varun Chakravarthy's ultimate test: Is the spin chakravyuh finally cracking?

T20 World Cup: For a long time, it seemed like Varun Chakravarthy was India's most lethal weapon in a T20I. However, a poor outing the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup 2026 leaves the spinner searching for confidence and a bit of spark heading into the semi-final.

It was just after the India vs the Netherlands game that Kris Srikkanth called Varun Chakravarthy a modern-day T20I great. He even went on to say that he was more lethal than Jasprit Bumrah in the shortest format of the game. And the stats were there for everyone to see.

After picking up three wickets against the Dutch in his three overs for just 14 runs, Varun was leading Bumrah 30-22 in the 21 matches they had played together. Since his sensational return to the Indian T20I side in October 2024, the mystery spinner has picked up the most wickets for India in the format, with 69 wickets in 37 matches at an average of 14.17 and an economy rate just above 7. Varun's impact in T20Is has been crucial for India. (PTI Photo)

Yet, once the Super 8 stage started, the 'Chakravuyuh' seemed to show cracks. He conceded 47 runs in four overs against South Africa.

Things improved slightly against Zimbabwe, but Brian Bennett and Sikandar Raza were able to tackle him, and the spinner conceded 35 runs at his home ground in Chennai. He did pick up one wicket, and there was hope that he would improve against the West Indies.

Varun started well in Kolkata, his second home, dismissing Shai Hope. But things fell apart.

He conceded 40 runs in four overs, and Varun's form is now a major concern going into the England game.