[Watch]: Varun Chakravarthy’s Carnage Stuns England in Third T20I

The third T20I between India and England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot turned into a spectacle, thanks to a stunning bowling performance by India’s mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy. With outstanding figures of 4-0-24-5, Chakravarthy completely dismantled England’s batting lineup, leaving the visitors reeling at 171/9. Let’s dive deep into the highlights of this thrilling encounter.

India vs. England: A Quick Recap

England’s innings started on a shaky note as they lost Phil Salt cheaply. Despite a promising partnership between Ben Duckett and Jos Buttler, the team’s momentum was short-lived. Duckett’s aggressive stroke play kept the scoreboard ticking, but disaster struck when both Duckett and Buttler fell in quick succession, opening the door for India’s spinners to take control.

Sanju Samson’s Brilliant DRS Call

The turning point of the match was undoubtedly the dismissal of England captain Jos Buttler. On the final ball of the 10th over, Varun Chakravarthy bowled a delivery that looked close to the gloves of Buttler as he attempted a reverse sweep. Sanju Samson, India’s wicketkeeper, immediately appealed and convinced skipper Suryakumar Yadav to go for the review.

Sharp work behind the stumps ✅

A successful review ✅

Sanju Samson with a fine catch 🙌 🙌

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The Ultraedge confirmed a faint edge, and Buttler was sent back to the pavilion for 24 runs off 22 balls. Samson’s quick thinking and sharp judgment not only showcased his wicketkeeping prowess but also gave India a critical breakthrough.

Chakravarthy’s Dream Spell

Varun Chakravarthy was the star of the show, weaving his magic with the ball and leaving England’s batters clueless. His five-wicket haul was a masterclass in mystery spin. Let’s break down his wickets:

Jos Buttler: A well-set Buttler was outfoxed by a sharp delivery, with Samson’s DRS call sealing the deal.

Jamie Smith: A flighted delivery tempted Smith into a false shot, resulting in an easy catch.

Jamie Overton: A googly that sneaked past Overton’s bat to knock over the stumps.

Brydon Carse: Trapped lbw by a skidding delivery.

Jofra Archer: A deceptive slower ball ended Archer’s innings, completing Chakravarthy’s fifer.

Interestingly, this match marked the fourth time in seven innings that Chakravarthy dismissed Buttler in T20s. Despite scoring 76 runs off 48 balls against him across these encounters, Buttler has consistently struggled to decode the mystery spinner’s variations. This rivalry adds another intriguing layer to the ongoing series.

Magic Moments from the Match

One of the standout moments was Chakravarthy’s googly to dismiss Jamie Overton. The delivery pitched on the middle stump, gripped slightly, and went on to shatter the stumps, leaving Overton stunned. Such moments highlight the unpredictability and skill that make Chakravarthy a valuable asset for India.

Double-wicket over 👌

Completion of fifer for Varun Chakaravarthy 👌

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— BCCI (@BCCI) January 28, 2025

England’s Middle-Order Collapse

After the dismissals of Buttler and Duckett, England’s middle order crumbled under pressure. Chakravarthy, along with other Indian spinners, exploited the conditions brilliantly, ensuring there was no recovery for the visitors. England’s inability to build partnerships cost them dearly.

What sets Chakravarthy apart is his ability to mix up his deliveries seamlessly. From sharp googlies to well-disguised slower balls, he keeps batters guessing. His control and consistency make him a nightmare for opposition teams.