[WATCH] Varun Chakaravarthy Claims ‘Impact Player’ Award After IND vs NED T20 2026 Clash

Team India’s ace spinner Varun Chakaravarthy was named the ‘Impact Player of the Match’ following his brilliant performance in the 17-run victory over the Netherlands during the T20 World Cup 2026 group stage. The mystery spinner delivered a sensational spell, claiming 3 wickets for just 14 runs in his three overs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 18.

The medal was presented in the dressing room by Adrian Le Roux, the team’s strength and conditioning coach, who praised Chakaravarthy’s improved fitness and lauded his consistent performances throughout the tournament. After receiving the award, Chakaravarthy was encouraged by his teammates to give a speech.

He had previously led the team talk during the huddle before their match against Pakistan in Colombo. Watch the special moment here:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU7NsDSkyFa/?igsh=OXlsemI2c3JlcGRs

“Asli tournament next match se chalu ho raha hai, toh uske liye ready hona hai aur dogfight is very important. (The real tournament begins from the next match, so we have to be ready for that, and dogfight is very important),” Chakaravarthy said in his speech after receiving the medal in the dressing room.

Varun Chakaravarthy bowled Max O’Dowd out in his opening over against the Netherlands, then went on to dismiss Colin Ackermann and Aryan Dutt on back-to-back deliveries in the 13th over. In addition to Chakaravarthy, players like Mohammed Siraj, Ishan Kishan, and Shivam Dube have also received the dressing room award earlier in the tournament.

Varun Chakaravarthy Bags Nine Wickets in Four T20 World Cup 2026 Matches for Team India

Following his superb three-wicket haul against Scott Edwards and his side, the Indian star has climbed to second place on the wicket-takers’ list in the T20 World Cup 2026. He has claimed nine wickets at an impressive average of 6.88 and a remarkable economy rate of 5.16, trailing only USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk.

Chakaravarthy will next feature in Team India’s opening Super 8 clash against South Africa at the same venue on Sunday, February 22. Both teams dominated the group stage, winning all four of their matches to finish at the top of their respective tables.

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