“Once you are not in the Indian side, people tend to write you off” - Varun Chakravarthy reflects on comeback in IND vs BAN 2024 T20I series

Team India and Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Varun Chakravarthy shared his thoughts on playing for the national side after a gap of three years. He was a part of the hosts' win in the first T20I against Bangladesh played at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, Gwalior.

Varun Chakravarthy made his debut in the shortest format against Sri Lanka back in 2021. He played all three games on the tour and picked up two wickets in three games. He was then selected in the Indian squad for the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where he went wicketless and was dropped after the game against Scotland.

After a hiatus of three years and missing 86 games between his last appearance and today, Chakravarthy was named in the starting XI against Bangladesh and didn't disappoint. He picked up three wickets and was the joint highest wicket taker in the bowling attack with player of the match, Arshdeep Singh.

After the game, Varun said in conversation with the official broadcaster:

"Definitely, after three long years, it was emotional for me. Feels nice to be back in the blues, feels like a rebirth. Yeah just want to stick to the process. That's what I have been following in the IPL. I want to stay in the present so don't want to think or express too much. Definitely after IPL, I played some other tournaments."

About playing in various franchise tournaments, he added:

"TNPL was a very high-standard tournament where I worked with Ash (Ashwin) bhai which did wonders. Was a good preparation for the series. I thought it could have gone my way but this is how cricket goes. Thankful to God."

"Once you are not in the Indian side, people tend to write you off very easily. Hopefully, I can keep continuing my good work."

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Varun Chakravarthy starred in Team India's win over Bangladesh

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Team India bowled Bangladesh out for a paltry total of 127. Arshdeep Singh (3/14) and Varun Chakravarthy (3/31) starred with the ball in hand as the other bowlers chipped in a wicket each. For the visitors, Najmul Hossain Shanto (27 off 25) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (35 off 32) added the majority of the runs.

The hosts made light work of the chase as Sanju Samson (29 off 19) and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (29 off 14) started with a bang, ending the powerplay with a score of 71/2 after six overs. Hardik Pandya (39 off 16) added the finishing touches as the hosts completed the chase at a canter and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

Both teams will now lock horns in the second T20I on October 9 at the Arun Jaitley International Stadium, Delhi.