In a massive statement that has ignited conversation across the cricketing world, Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has drawn a striking parallel between the leadership styles of two of the country’s most prominent captains. Ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup, Chakaravarthy opened up about his remarkable comeback to the national side and credited T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir for playing “big roles” in his return.
After a poor performance in the 2021 T20 World Cup, Chakaravarthy was dropped and battled mental health issues and self-doubt for almost three years in cricket exile. However, he has returned to prominence in India’s white-ball system in 2024 after a string of outstanding performances in the ICC Champions Trophy and the Bangladesh T20I series.
Prior to the Bangladesh tour, Chakaravarthy disclosed that Suryakumar Yadav had personally contacted him, expressing confidence in his skills and a wish to reintegrate him into the team. “I’m looking at you, Surya told me, but I’m keen on having you in the team setup. Let’s see how things go,” Varun said. “Even if we don’t talk much, he’s always given me confidence and told me, ‘No matter who ignores you, I’ll keep you in my plans,'” he added, praising Gambhir’s steadfast backing. That gave me the willpower to keep going.
Suryakumar’s leadership style was compared to Rohit Sharma’s by Chakaravarthy, who described him as “tactically sound” and “a bowler’s delight.” He underlined that SKY is the perfect captain for India’s T20 aspirations because of his composed outlook and strategic acumen.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s Highest Acclaim for Suryakumar Yadav Ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup: “He Is Very Similar to Rohit Sharma”
Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has lavished T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav with praise, comparing SKY to experienced batsman Rohit Sharma. Chakaravarthy called Suryakumar “a bowler’s delight” and “very tactically sound” in an interview with Rev Sportz prior to the 2025 Asia Cup, emphasizing the captain’s cool head and strategic acumen.
“And about Surya, he is someone very similar to Rohit—that’s what I’ve seen,” Varun said. “Maybe his time at Mumbai Indians has given him good exposure to great captains. He never puts pressure on the bowlers. It would be a bowler’s delight to have a captain like him”.
Chakaravarthy’s comments come at a time when Suryakumar Yadav is set to lead India in the Asia Cup, starting September 9 in the UAE. With 18 wins in 22 T20Is as captain, SKY has already proven his mettle, and Varun’s endorsement adds weight to his growing reputation as a tactician and motivator.
The spinner also highlighted the value of belief and mentoring in top sport by attributing his return to the national team to Suryakumar and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Chakaravarthy’s remarks highlight the covert leadership revolution that is developing under Suryakumar’s direction as India gets ready for the continental confrontation.
The club management’s faith in Chakaravarthy and his tenacity are demonstrated by his remarkable comeback tale. India will need the mystery spinner’s rediscovered confidence and developing skill set as the Asia Cup draws near, especially on the UAE’s slow wickets. Now that he has the support of his coach and captain, Chakaravarthy is prepared to spearhead India’s spin attack and establish himself as a team mainstay.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025 : Sanju Samson Reflects On Incident Featuring Suryakumar Yadav & Gautam Gambhir