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Varun Chakaravarthy starred with the ball for Bangladesh in the first T20I against Bangladesh at New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior on Sunday, October 6. The leg-spinner finished with excellent figures of 3/31 in his four overs in his first game since 2021.
The 33-year-old leaked 15 runs in his first over before bouncing back to take three wickets for just 16 runs in his last three. Varun will now look to get a consistent run in the side after managing just six games in his previous stint with the Men in Blue.
Varun had an impressive Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season where he picked up 21 wickets in 15 matches at an economy rate of 8.04. The Karnataka-born player then bagged 12 wickets in 10 matches for champions Dindigul Dragons in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).
Fans on X lauded Varun Chakaravarthy for his brilliant performance in his comeback game. One user wrote:
"First over - 15 runs. Next 3 overs - 16 runs & 3 wickets. WHAT A PHENOMENAL COMEBACK BY VARUN CHAKRABARTY IN T20I. Varun deserves, he was unfortunately dropped after the T20I World Cup, returning into the side after 3 years with lots of hard work."
Another user wrote:
"Welcome back, Varun! You were unfairly sidelined, but this time make sure you stick around."
A third user added:
"Well done, Varun Chakravarthy! Fantastic performance with 3/31 on his return to Team India. He really seized this opportunity and showed what he’s capable of! Let’s keep it going!"
Here are a few more reactions:
Varun Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep Singh bag three-wicket hauls as India skittle out Bangladesh for 127
Varun Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep Singh bagged three wickets apiece as India bundled out Bangladesh for 127. Debutant Mayank Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Washington Sundar also bagged one wicket apiece.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz starred with the bat for Bangladesh, scoring an unbeaten 35 off 32 balls, while skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto chipped in with 27 off 25 deliveries.
Follow the IND vs BAN 1st T20I live score and updates here.
