Ravichandran Ashwin has urged India not to overexpose mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy ahead of the T20 World Cup, warning that frequent game time could allow opponents to decode his variations. India are set to play five T20Is against South Africa later this month, followed by another five against New Zealand in January, both teams are likely contenders in the World Cup knockouts.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin said that India must be strategic with their selections.
“We shouldn’t overexpose Varun Chakaravarthy. One should save him. South Africa and New Zealand are teams we could face in the World Cup knockouts. Varun’s mystery remains his biggest strength,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin also suggested a similar approach with Kuldeep Yadav, recommending that neither spinner should feature in every series match. “Exposing both Kuldeep and Varun in large quantities is something I’ll refrain from. They may need to play together in the World Cup but preserving Varun’s unpredictability is crucial,” he added.
Chakaravarthy has been in exceptional form since his comeback, claiming 43 wickets in his last 23 T20Is. Ashwin believes India must deny opponents repeated chances to decode him. “Mystery should remain mystery, don’t give batters enough time to figure him out.”
India face South Africa in the first T20I in Cuttack on December 9.
