Varun Chakravarthy (Photo Credit: @BCCI on X)
NEW DELHI: Team India spinner
Varun Chakravarthy
has etched his name in the history books on Sunday.
Having claimed remarkable figures of 5/17 in the second T20I between India and South Africa at St George's Park in Gqeberha, he set a new benchmark for Indian spinners in T20 internationals.
Chakravarthy’s exceptional spell has earned him a share of the record for the best figures by an Indian spinner in T20Is, alongside Kuldeep Yadav, who also claimed 5/17 against South Africa in Joburg in 2023.
This achievement not only highlights Chakravarthy’s skill but also places him among the elite in T20I bowling.
Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul helped India restrict South Africa during a moderate chase of 125 runs. With his spin doing all the talking on the field, the 33-year-old dominated the Proteas’ top and middle order.
He dismissed key batsmen, including Reeza Hendricks (24), Aiden Markram (3), and Heinrich Klaasen (2), along with the crucial scalps of Marco Jansen (7) and David Miller (0), getting India closer to securing their second consecutive victory in the four-match T20I series.
Chakravarthy’s figures of 5/17 now stand as the joint-second best bowling performance against South Africa in T20Is, behind only Umar Gul’s 5/6 in 2007.
The spell displayed Chakravarthy’s variations, as he was able to deceive the batsmen with his spin and control, making it nearly impossible for them to settle.
His performance played a pivotal role in India’s success, as South Africa’s batting collapsed under the pressure of his accuracy and guile.
With figures that reflect his growing stature as a key figure in India’s bowling attack, Chakravarthy’s 5-wicket haul will be a standout moment in the series, leaving an indelible mark on the match and the history of T20I
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English (US) ·