‘That’s something he could do’ – Legendary India spinner’s advice to struggling Varun Chakravarthy

Former India captain Anil Kumble has advised mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy to add more variations to his bowling to be effective ahead of their semi-final clash against England on Thursday, March 5.

Chakravarthy has been India’s leading wicket-taker at the 2026 T20 World Cup, taking 12 scalps in seven games. Despite his wicket-taking ability, the 34-year-old has been expensive in recent games, going at more than 10 runs an over in two out of the last three outings. 

To counter batters taking advantage of his stock ball coming into the right-handers, Kumble suggested the spinner have the odd ball turn away to keep the batters guessing. The advice holds value considering five of England’s top seven comprises right-handed batters.

“Maybe the analyst can probably pull out how many times he is looking to actually take the ball away from a right-hander. I haven’t seen that much. Maybe that’s something that he could potentially do. Then, the ball coming back into the right-hander becomes that much more dangerous,” Kumble was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“Although the batters are not able to pick that every time he bowls, now it seems like the batters are only expecting the ball coming into them, and playing him that way, rather than sort of searching for it. So, maybe he needs to mix a few balls, which goes away from the right-hander, and then possibly bring that back in,” he added.

Varun Chakravarthy has a good record against England

Chakravarthy has played five T20Is against England, taking 14 wickets along the way at an economy of 7.66. His best figures against the opposition came last year at Rajkot where he took 5 for 24. Despite his best efforts with the ball, India ended the game on the losing side as the Three Lions secured a 26-run victory.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star has picked up 43 wickets in 21 matches on home soil across his T20I career. He bowls at an economy rate of just 7.66 at a very healthy strike-rate of 10.80. 

Chakravarthy will be aiming to lift his second ICC honour with India having previously formed part of their Champions Trophy-winning squad in 2025.