Spinner Varun Chakaravarthy provided India with a crucial breakthrough in the second T20I against England in Manchester. After posting 190/7 in their 20 overs, India made a brilliant start while defending the total, with Arshdeep Singh removing both England openers in the very first over.
Despite the early setbacks, England stayed in the contest. Bowling the 16th over, Varun struck a key blow by dismissing Will Jacks. On the second delivery of the over, Jacks went for a reverse sweep but failed to connect against a dipping low full toss from Varun. He was initially given out on the field and opted for a review.
The replay confirmed there was no edge, while ball-tracking showed the impact was in line with leg stump and the delivery crashing into the base of middle and off stump. As a result, the on-field decision stood, forcing Jacks to head back to the pavilion.
You can watch the video here:
Three reds and its gone ☝️#VarunChakaravarthy strikes as the review only confirms the inevitable! 😌#ENGvIND 2nd T20I 👉 Streaming LIVE on JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/uFMXTemTnP
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 4, 2026
The dangerous Will Jacks, known for his brilliance as a finisher, was dismissed at a vital stage of the chase. He departed after managing just nine runs from eight deliveries, including one boundary, at a strike rate of 112.5.
Varun Chakaravarthy Strikes With A Wicket On His Return
Varun Chakaravarthy, who was included in India’s squad for the Ireland tour, missed the series after suffering a left-side injury during IPL 2026. He was subsequently ruled out of the Ireland T20Is to focus on rehabilitation and regain full match fitness. The spinner was later named in India’s squad for the T20I series against England, marking his return to the setup.
However, with the opening match of the five-game series in Chester-le-Street being washed out due to rain, Varun’s comeback was delayed further. Making his return in the second T20I, Varun registered figures of 1/37 in his four-over spell, claiming the key wicket of Will Jacks.
With this dismissal, the mystery spinner improved his overall T20I tally to 74 wickets in 47 matches, averaging 16.89 with an economy rate of 7.59. Notably, it was also his maiden T20I wicket on English soil.
Despite his efforts, India could not defend their total, as England successfully chased down the target with four wickets in hand.
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