Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes India’s chances of successfully defending their T20 World Cup title at home will largely depend on the impact of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Emphasising the value of spin in subcontinental conditions, Ganguly pointed out that India’s spin resources could prove decisive in the tournament.
Speaking to PTI, Ganguly highlighted how hosting the World Cup places added importance on bowlers who can exploit slow and wearing surfaces. “Nothing gets bigger than a home World Cup, and India is always my favourite. They have a strong spin attack, and if Varun Chakravarthy is fit, it’s very good for India,” Ganguly said.
India have clearly doubled down on spin for the upcoming T20 World Cup, naming a formidable quartet of Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. With matches scheduled across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, conditions are expected to increasingly assist spinners as the tournament progresses.
Among the spin options, Chakravarthy stands out as a potential game-changer. The right-arm mystery spinner has claimed 51 wickets in 32 T20Is and comes into the tournament with strong momentum, having picked up six wickets in a recent five-match series against South Africa. His ability to outfox batters during the middle overs makes him a crucial part of India’s strategy, particularly in pressure situations.
As India prepare for their final T20I series before the World Cup, beginning January 21 against New Zealand, Chakravarthy’s form has become a major talking point among fans and experts.
With home conditions and a deep spin arsenal working in their favour, India will enter the tournament as strong contenders. And as Ganguly suggested, their title defence may ultimately hinge on how effectively Varun Chakravarthy and the spin unit deliver on the biggest stage.
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