With the T20 World Cup only a few months away, Ravichandran Ashwin has a clear message for the Indian team management protect the mystery. More specifically, protect Varun Chakaravarthy.
India are lined up for ten T20Is over the next two months, five against South Africa in December and five against New Zealand in January. But Ashwin believes playing Chakaravarthy in all these matches would be a mistake, especially with both teams potentially waiting in the World Cup knockout stages.
Don’t let teams decode Varun, said Ashwin
Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin explained why India must handle the spinner carefully. “We shouldn’t overexpose Varun Chakaravarthy. One should save him,” Ashwin said. “We’ll be playing against South Africa and New Zealand now, and we might face them again in the T20 World Cup. Varun’s mystery is a big factor.”
Chakaravarthy has been in brilliant form since returning to international cricket, picking up 43 wickets in his last 23 T20Is. Despite being around for a few years, he continues to remain a puzzle for most batters, something Ashwin believes India should preserve.
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Kuldeep Yadav also needs careful management
Ashwin didn’t stop at Varun. He also suggested that India shouldn’t play Kuldeep Yadav excessively in these upcoming series.
He believes both wrist-spinners will be central to India’s plans at the T20 World Cup, but familiar opponents shouldn’t get too many chances to get used to them. “Exposing both Kuldeep and Varun in large quantities is something I’ll refrain from. They’ll eventually play together in the World Cup, but not now.”
Mystery should remain mystery
Ashwin summed it up perfectly “Don’t give teams enough time to figure him out. The more they play against him, the more they’ll understand him. Mystery should remain mystery.”
With India finally building a potent spin attack ahead of a global tournament, Ashwin’s advice is timely and possibly crucial.
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