Varun Chakravarthy’s inclusion in India’s Champions Trophy team at the last moment turned out to be a game-changer in the eight-team tournament. The competition reached its peak when the team led by Rohit Sharma secured the title in Dubai last Sunday. Chakravarthy was arguably India’s most effective bowler, claiming nine wickets – the second-highest in the tournament – in just three matches. In the final against New Zealand, he took 2 wickets for 45 runs, contributing to restricting New Zealand to 251/7, a target successfully chased down by India in 49 overs.
While Chakravarthy is known for his composed presence on the field, his recent social media update offered fans a glimpse of his humorous personality off the field.
On Monday, Chakravarthy used Instagram to subtly criticize those who suggested India’s victory was partly due to the advantage of playing all their matches in Dubai.
‘A lot of distance was travelled to get a taste of this Cup,’ Chakravarthy wrote as a caption, adding a couple of winking emojis.
Following the final match, Chakravarthy acknowledged that the campaign was a ‘dream come true’ for him.
‘I didn’t anticipate it going this well, it’s a dream come true. There was less spin in the first innings, so I focused on maintaining discipline and sticking to the basics,’ Chakravarthy mentioned to broadcasters after the game.
Chakravarthy was among the six Indian players selected for the ICC’s Team of the Tournament.
Virat Kohli was the most prominent name among the six Indian players featured in the 12-member ‘Team of the Tournament’ for the Champions Trophy.
Besides Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul, Chakravarthy, and fast bowler Mohammed Shami were part of the playing eleven, while all-rounder Axar Patel was named as the 12th man.
New Zealand had four players in the team, including Rachin Ravindra, who was named Player of the Tournament, and Mitchell Santner as captain.
Two players from Afghanistan also made it to the team after the Asian team celebrated their first-ever ICC Men’s Champions Trophy match win in their debut appearance.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma highlighted that each player in the Indian team understands their role and executes it effectively.
‘Every player in our squad knows exactly what is expected of them and how to perform their role. When other teams watch us, I want them to see our resilience and belief—the mindset that we are capable of winning from any situation,’ he stated.
