India vs Bangladesh T20Is | Varun Chakravarthy makes a grand return to the National fold

Varun Chakravarthy's triumphant return to the Indian cricket team after overcoming setbacks and mastering a new bowling technique.

It has been “a long three years” for Varun Chakravarthy.

Since going wicketless in the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the finger spinner has been out of the Indian team.

The disappointment at being ignored was replaced by relief and joy on Sunday when Varun made a successful comeback. His three-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the first T20I here signalled good times to come.

“It has been a long three years. Whenever the India squad for a series was announced, I used to think, ‘Why is my name not there?’. I would keep thinking about it. That brought motivation in me that I should go all out and make a comeback,” Varun said at the post-match press conference.

The 33-year-old made his way back to the Indian team on the back of strong shows in the last two editions of the IPL. Representing Kolkata Knight Riders, Varun recorded 20 wickets in IPL 2023, and followed it up by finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker in the 2024 edition.

There was also a good run in the 50-over 2023-24 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where Varun was the joint-highest wicket-taker.

On the technical front, Varun has made a major change. Over the last two years, he has transitioned from orthodox side-spin to over-spin, which affords more dip and bounce.