Varun chakaravarthy’s disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup

By Ananya Rao / 06.03.2026

Performance Overview

On March 5, 2026, at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Varun Chakaravarthy faced a challenging match against England in the T20 World Cup. Just before this game, Chakaravarthy’s previous performances had already sparked scrutiny due to his high runs conceded in crucial matches.

During the match against England, Chakaravarthy delivered the most expensive spell by an Indian in T20 World Cups, conceding a staggering 64 runs from just four overs. He managed to take only one wicket, marking his worst returns in a T20I game. Jacob Bethell notably scored 41 runs off him, further highlighting the difficulties he faced on the field.

This performance is significant as it is also the joint-second-most expensive spell by a bowler in T20 World Cups, a record previously held by Saurabh Netravalkar, who conceded 65 runs against India in the group stage.

Earlier in the tournament, Chakaravarthy had a less disastrous outing against South Africa, where he conceded 47 runs while taking one wicket. However, his overall economy rate in the tournament stands at 8.85, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.

Criticism and Reactions

Following the match against England, former cricketer Irfan Pathan criticized Chakaravarthy’s performance, stating, “Apart from Bumrah, nothing much stood out in the bowling, except for the new spell bowled by Arshdeep. The most disappointing aspect was Varun Chakaravarthy. When he was attacked, he had no answer, which was somewhat disappointing.”

Despite these setbacks, Chakaravarthy remains a key player for India, currently tied as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 13 wickets from 8 matches.

Current Standing

As the tournament progresses, Chakaravarthy’s performance will be closely monitored, especially given the expectations placed upon him. Sanju Samson is the only Indian nominated for the ICC’s T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament, adding to the pressure on Chakaravarthy to deliver in upcoming matches.

South Africa’s recent victory over India, which ended a 12-match unbeaten run for the team, underscores the challenges ahead. Chakaravarthy’s ability to bounce back from this disappointing performance will be crucial for India’s chances in the tournament.