Mohammad Kaif Compares Varun Chakravarthy to Jasprit Bumrah: 'Captain Can Say, Take the Ball and Change the Game'
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has drawn a striking comparison between spinner Varun Chakravarthy and pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, emphasizing the captain's trust in both bowlers to turn matches around with their spells. In a recent analysis on his YouTube channel, Kaif highlighted Chakravarthy's exceptional form and growing importance in the Indian cricket team, particularly in the T20I format.
Varun Chakravarthy's Rise in Form and Captain's Confidence
Kaif noted that Varun Chakravarthy has been in superb form recently, leading to his selection ahead of Kuldeep Yadav in T20I matches. He elaborated that captains are fortunate to have bowlers like Bumrah and Chakravarthy, who can be relied upon to change the course of a game. "A bowler like Varun, I think, comes to the Indian team only with great luck. A captain is very lucky to have a bowler like him, regardless of the situation or conditions," Kaif stated.
He further explained, "Just like with Bumrah, when the captain can say, take the ball and change the game with a spell, Varun has now come into that same league. You can say, Varun, take the ball and get wickets." This comparison underscores the high level of confidence and skill that Chakravarthy has developed, making him a go-to option for captains in crucial moments.
Improvement in Bowling Control and Technique
Kaif pointed out significant improvements in Chakravarthy's bowling control, which has elevated his game. "If you talk about his control, earlier he used to bowl only the googly. Now he has learned leg spin as well," he said. This diversification in his bowling arsenal has made him more versatile and effective against batters.
He added, "He knows that even if he gets hit for one or two balls, it's okay, because he can get the batter out on the next ball. As a spinner, when you develop that belief in your bowling that even if you get hit it doesn't matter because you can still take a wicket on the next delivery, that confidence is clearly visible in him." This mental fortitude and self-assurance are key factors in Chakravarthy's success, allowing him to bounce back quickly and maintain pressure on opponents.
Comparison with Kuldeep Yadav and Team India's Strategy
In comparing Chakravarthy with Kuldeep Yadav, Kaif suggested that Chakravarthy has edged slightly ahead. "Varun has gone slightly ahead of him (Kuldeep). Both are outstanding bowlers, but if you have to pick one, Varun is ahead at this point in time," he remarked. This observation is supported by recent team selections, where Chakravarthy has been preferred over Kuldeep in matches.
Kaif elaborated on Team India's strategic planning, saying, "We saw this in the earlier match as well. Kuldeep did not play. Varun and Axar played. So the planning of Team India has become very clear. If there is a choice between Varun and Kuldeep, Varun is the preferred option, and he is that kind of bowler too. He has never disappointed." This indicates a clear shift in team dynamics, with Chakravarthy becoming a more integral part of the bowling attack.
Versatility and Reliability in Different Phases of the Game
Kaif highlighted Chakravarthy's versatility, noting his ability to bowl effectively in various phases of a T20I match. "You can bring Varun on whenever you want in the powerplay. Kuldeep does not usually bowl in the powerplay. Varun does," he explained. This flexibility makes him a valuable asset, as he can be deployed early to take wickets or contain runs.
He concluded, "The captain will never hesitate to give Varun the fourth or fifth over, worrying that he might go for 20 runs. There is no such concern with Varun. He comes on and takes wickets in the fifth over, takes powerplay wickets, takes wickets in the middle overs, and later on as well." This reliability across all stages of the innings underscores why Chakravarthy is now considered in the same league as top bowlers like Bumrah, capable of delivering match-winning performances under pressure.
