Varun Chakravarthy will be key for India in T20 World Cup: Former Indian captain

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly believes that if India are to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title this year, mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy will have to play a significant role. Ever since his return to international cricket in 2024 after a three-year hiatus, Chakaravarthy has given opposition batters sleepless nights.

Ganguly said that the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has a formidable spin attack. Apart from Chakaravarthy, there is the experienced wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav alongside spin-bowling all-rounders Washington Sundar and Axar Patel.

The marquee event is scheduled to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka, where the spinners are expected to make a difference.

“Yeah, nothing (home WC) gets bigger than that, and India is always my favourite team. They have a strong spin attack and if Chakravarthy is fit then it's good for India,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by India Today, as he highlighted both the expectations and opportunities that come with hosting the tournament.

Chakaravarthy has played 33 T20Is so far and picked up 55 wickets at an average of 14.87 and a strike rate of 12.8. The Tamil Nadu spinner's economy rate is an impressive 6.96. He will look to have some important match practice under his belt during the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting January 21.

Returning to the T20 World Cup, India is placed in Group A alongside the USA, Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. The Men in Blue will face the USA on February 7, Namibia on February 12, Pakistan on February 15, and the Netherlands on February 18. The highly-anticipated clash against Pakistan is set to be held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The remaining matches will be held in Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad.

Since Suryakumar became the permanent T20I captain of India, the Asian giants have not lost a series in the shortest format of the game. They recently defeated South Africa 3-1 in a five-match series and will be oozing with confidence heading into the challenge against the Kiwis.