Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner from Tamil Nadu, has made a strong return to India’s T20I team after being away from international cricket for almost three years. His comeback to the Indian side happened during the first T20I match against Bangladesh at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior. This marks a significant moment in Chakravarthy’s career, as he rejoined India’s T20I squad following a remarkable performance in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Varun Chakravarthy’s Long-Awaited Return
Varun Chakravarthy’s return to India’s T20I playing XI came after a gap of nearly three years, despite him making his debut in the format more than three years ago. This was only his sixth T20I appearance for India. His time away from the national team was not without its own challenges, but the IPL turned out to be his stage for a remarkable comeback.
Chakravarthy had a stellar run in the IPL, especially in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In IPL 2023, he claimed 20 wickets, and in IPL 2024, he picked up 21 wickets, helping KKR lift the championship trophy. His consistent performance in the IPL made a strong case for his return to the Indian team.
When Was Varun Chakravarthy’s Last Match for India?
Before his recent return, Varun Chakravarthy last played for India in November 2021 during the T20 World Cup held in the UAE. However, his performance in that tournament wasn’t as impactful as expected. He managed to take only two wickets in six matches, which, coupled with some injury concerns and fielding issues, saw him dropped from the team. These factors contributed to his long absence from international cricket.
How Many T20I Matches Has Varun Chakravarthy Missed?
From his last appearance in November 2021 to his return in October 2024, Varun Chakravarthy missed a total of 86 T20I matches. This is a significant gap for any player, but it shows the journey Chakravarthy had to make to get back into the national side. Only one other Indian player, fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed, missed more matches (104) between his two T20I appearances.
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Players Who Missed the Most T20I Matches Between Two Appearances for India
- Khaleel Ahmed: 104 matches (2019-2024)
- Varun Chakravarthy: 86 matches (2021-2024)
- Sanju Samson: 73 matches (2015-2020)
- Shivam Dube: 70 matches (2020-2023)
Varun Chakravarthy’s Performance After His Return
On his much-anticipated return, Varun Chakravarthy had a tough start, giving away 15 runs in his first over. However, he quickly turned things around, taking two key wickets in his following two overs. His ability to bounce back under pressure and deliver crucial breakthroughs demonstrates why he remains a valuable asset for India.
Conclusion
Varun Chakravarthy’s journey from being sidelined after the 2021 T20 World Cup to making a successful return to India’s T20I team is inspiring. Despite missing 86 matches, he proved his worth through consistent IPL performances, showing that persistence and hard work can pay off. Now back in India’s squad, all eyes will be on Chakravarthy as he continues to showcase his mysterious spin on the international stage.
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