Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes teams have started to pick ace India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy which has resulted in the bowler’s poor showing in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The 34-year-old Varun endured his worst bowling performance in T20Is in the semi-final against England where he conceded 64 runs off his four overs.
Varun managed to remove dangerman Jos Buttler for 25 but struggled the rest of the way as the England batters took toll of his inefficient bowling. The veteran spinner has been in indifferent form since the start of the Super 8s, going at an economy over 10 in each of his last four games.
Michael Vaughan Opines on Varun Chakaravarthy’s dip in form.Â
Speaking about Varun Chakaravarthy’s alarming dip in form, Vaughan told Cricbuzz: “Players are playing him better, and he is bowling like a slow seamer. I don’t think he is getting any revolutions on the ball. He’s just putting it there so the ball is not gripping at all. Teams seem to be hitting him down the ground a lot easier. They are cutting him to the off-side, and he’s not cramping the batters.”Â
Michael Vaughan further added: “They seem to be able to free up their arms at the moment against him. Maybe he’s bowling a little bit too wide. But they’ll go with him again. Yet, I don’t think it’ll affect India if they go with Kuldeep either. But you’ve got to the final and been consistent in selection, the last three games, so they should go with the same 11 again.”Â
Despite Varun’s woeful bowling display, the Men in Blue survived a brilliant run-chase from England and won by 7 runs.
Ajinkya Rahane urges selection of Varun Chakaravarthy for the grand finale.Â
Former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane urged Team India to back struggling Varun Chakaravarthy and not make changes to their playing XI for the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on March 8 i.e. Sunday. The leg spinner entered the tournament full of confidence as the No.1 ranked T20I bowler in the world.
Varun got off to an excellent start as they picked up 9 wickets in four group stage outings. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Ajinkya Rahane said: “I don’t think the Indian team should be worried, and Varun shouldn’t be thinking too much. He should be in the playing XI for the final. He’s struggling at the moment and leaking runs, but he has to believe in his ability that if he gets going, he can take you those three to four wickets in his his 24 balls. ”Â
Ajinkya Rahane further added: “Also tactically, because India have Bumrah, the opposition is looking to attack Varun and Axar. Everyone is studying Varun Chakaravarthy. He just needs that one good game, and he must believe in his ability that he’s going to win the match for the team.”Â
The 64 runs conceded by Varun Chakaravarthy were the second-most by an Indian bowler in a T20I game.
Despite Varun’s failure with the ball, India managed to hold their nerves to stave off England by 7 runs to qualify for the summit clash on Sunday night in Ahmedabad.
What Lies Ahead.Â
So, the stage is set for the grand finale of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. It will be the two best teams in the competition squaring off against each other. It’s India who are the defending champions in their 4th final going for their 3rd title will face-off against first-time finalists New Zealand from Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. All roads will lead to Ahmedabad on Super Sunday. Can India defend their title against dogged New Zealand? Only time will tell.
We will wait and see how things unfold on Sunday night in Ahmedabad.
Also Read: ICC T20 WC 2026: Sanju Samson’s Sparkling Knock Helps India Knock Out England.