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'Very Difficult To...' Axar Patel Reveals Why Varun Chakaravarthy Is Lethal To Face

Soumyajit Dutta

Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy [Source: @chakaravarthy29/X.com]Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy [Source: @chakaravarthy29/X.com]

Axar Patel heaped praise on mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy after the latter’s maiden five-wicket haul (5/42) propelled India to a crucial Champions Trophy Group A victory over New Zealand. The performance marked a triumphant record for Chakaravarthy, who had a historic debut in his first ICC event.

Speaking after the match, Axar Patel, who himself gave a brilliant performance on the field, opened up about Varun's approach in the game and how he can be challenging for the batters to face.

Axar on Varun’s Resilience and Growth

After the match, Axar Patel spoke to the reporters in the mixed zone praising Varun Chakaravarthy and his mental readiness for big-ticket events after the T20 World Cup 2021 slump.

“Credit goes to him. The T20 WC (2021) was not a good experience for him. But after that, he has come back, and his mental skill shows how ready he is. I think he is carrying forward his performances in T20s to ODIs.”

The left-arm all-rounder also dissected why the spinner is a nightmare for batters saying that he is difficult to read on the crease.

“It is very difficult to read from his hand. And the pace with which he bowls is very difficult. So, I think, if a batter misses (the line), there is a higher chance of getting out. He is fast in the air also.”

Axar Opens Up On His New Batting Position

Explaining his evolved approach, Axar explained his role in the new batting position.

“When I get an opportunity, I try to bat based on the situation. But now, the approach has changed. Earlier, I used to come down and had to make runs quickly. Now, I know that there are more batsmen behind me, so I can play accordingly. I know that I have a lot of time. It depends on the requirement of the team as well, and if I feel that I have to attack the spinner, I play accordingly like I had a partnership in this match, and we could have a good total.”

Notably, promoted to No. 5 in recent matches, Axar has embraced his new role with grit. After a match-saving 41 against England in Cuttack and a gritty 50 in Nagpur, he anchored India’s recovery against New Zealand with a 98-run fourth-wicket stand with Shreyas Iyer after the team slumped to 30/3.