Former India opener Kris Srikkanth believes Varun Chakaravarthy is currently more lethal in T20 cricket than Jasprit Bumrah, though he feels the mystery spinner does not receive the recognition he deserves.

Chakaravarthy has been in sensational form in the 2026 T20 World Cup, claiming nine wickets in four matches at an astonishing average of 6.88 and an economy rate of 5.16. Against the Netherlands, he delivered a decisive spell of 3 for 14 in three overs, a performance that proved crucial in preserving India’s unbeaten run.

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In the 21 T20Is where both Varun and Bumrah have featured together, the spinner has actually taken more wickets (30) than the star pacer (22), underlining his growing influence in the format.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth highlighted the deceptive nature of Varun’s bowling.

“Look at his pitch maps — most deliveries are around off and middle stump. Against right-handers, the ball angles in and then turns. His googly comes in sharply. Most of his wickets are from good length or just short of it. Even his short balls are deceptive,” Srikkanth explained.

He added that batters are often clueless while facing him. “They don’t know whether it’s a googly, a straighter one, slower or quicker. He keeps changing pace. Long run-up, calm action — but incredibly deceptive. He honestly doesn’t get enough credit. Bumrah is fantastic, no doubt. You won’t easily find another bowler like him.”

Srikkanth also backed Chakaravarthy as a strong contender for Player of the Tournament if India go on to lift the trophy, an award Bumrah won in 2024 when India triumphed under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy.

“Hundred percent he can be Player of the Tournament. Even on a bad day, he gives away just 34–35 runs in four overs, which is acceptable in T20 cricket. And he still manages wickets. He’s casually producing match-winning spells, but he isn’t celebrated enough,” Srikkanth said.

Srikkanth went a step further, calling Chakaravarthy a modern-day great in T20 cricket.

“I’m saying this from my heart, not because he’s from Tamil Nadu. Purely on ability. Batters are struggling. They don’t know whether to defend or attack. That’s exactly what Bumrah was doing a couple of years ago. Bumrah is still brilliant, but Varun is creating that same fear factor now,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Bumrah has picked up four wickets in three matches in the ongoing tournament at an average of 13.50 and an economy rate of 6.

With the Super 8 stage approaching, both Bumrah and Chakaravarthy are expected to play pivotal roles as India face tougher challenges ahead.