Cricket INTL Admin October 10, 2025 0 Comments

Chakaravarthy: Mastering Destiny in Asia Cup Finale

Asia Cup 2025: A Recap of India’s Thrilling Final Against Pakistan

During the Asia Cup 2025 final, held last Sunday, Varun Chakaravarthy reflected on the Indian team’s performance and strategy against Pakistan. Despite Pakistan’s strong start, reaching 113 for one by the 13th over, India managed an impressive comeback, restricting Pakistan to just 146 all out in 19.1 overs. Chakaravarthy shared these insights during the CEAT Awards Ceremony in Mumbai.

He emphasized the predictable nature of the game’s progression. “As you might have noticed, teams across the tournament found it easier to score in the initial eight overs, but from the eighth to seventeenth over, it became tougher. We were aware of this trend and confident that, with a couple of key wickets, we could regain control, which we successfully did,” Chakaravarthy remarked.

Chakaravarthy played a pivotal role in disrupting Pakistan’s momentum, taking the crucial wickets of Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, with the latter’s dismissal in the 13th over marking the beginning of a collapse. Kuldeep Yadav further dismantled Pakistan’s batting order by claiming three wickets in just his fourth over, preventing them from completing their 20 overs.

Despite a rocky start in their chase, India managed to reach the target in the final over, thanks in large part to a decisive six by Tilak Varma. Chakaravarthy attributed their composure to their confidence in players like Tilak and Rinku Singh, noting that, “With Rinku and Tilak in the lineup, we felt assured even with the pressure of needing 10-11 runs in the last over. Nowadays in the IPL, teams chase down 20-25 runs.” Chakaravarthy finished the tournament with seven wickets across six matches, standing out with his uniquely deceptive deliveries.

Though often labeled a “mystery spinner,” Chakaravarthy clarified his approach is straightforward, using off-spin, leg-break, and a straighter delivery, all executed from the same grip and release point. He explained, “I never considered myself a mystery bowler; it’s a label the media has created. If my variety confuses batsmen, it’s because I maintain consistent grip and release points.”

Discussing his career, Chakaravarthy shared how he adjusted his bowling strategy for international pitches. After being initially dropped for employing too much side spin, he adopted overspin to deliver more bounce and turn, enhancing the dip in his deliveries.

Although he was the joint highest wicket-taker for India in the Champions Trophy this year, Chakaravarthy was not selected for the ODI series against Australia. He acknowledged the selectors’ decision, understanding that it often depended on pitch conditions.

The CEAT Awards also honored several players for their achievements: