March 3, 2025: After India’s victory over New Zealand in the final group stage match of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, star all-rounder Axar Patel heaped praise on mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy for his outstanding five-wicket haul in his Champions Trophy debut. Varun’s brilliant bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match award as he claimed 5 wickets for just 42 runs in his 10-over spell.
Axar Patel, who also contributed with both bat and ball, was particularly impressed with Varun’s mental resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Speaking to the media after the match, Axar acknowledged Varun’s growth, saying, “Everyone is happy for him. It was his first match, and I think the credit goes to him. It’s not easy. When he played in the 2021 T20 World Cup, it wasn’t great, but the way he’s come back, his mental strength shows how ready he is mentally. I think he’s carrying that forward into his one-day cricket as well.”
Axar, who also had a solid contribution with the bat during India’s innings, shared how challenging it is for batters to face Varun’s bowling. “It’s very difficult to face him when he bowls with pace. The way he bowls, it’s hard to read. His pace and action make it even more challenging for the batters,” Axar added.
Varun’s performance marked a significant redemption story for him. After a disappointing ICC T20 World Cup 2021 at the same venue, where he failed to take a single wicket, he made a spectacular return. In his second ODI, Varun registered his third-ever five-wicket haul and became the second Indian to achieve this feat in the Champions Trophy, behind Ravindra Jadeja’s 5/36 against the West Indies in 2013.
Varun’s exceptional spell of 5/42 is the best debut bowling performance by an Indian in the Champions Trophy, and the second-best debut performance in the history of the tournament. The only bowler to have recorded a better debut spell was Australia’s Josh Hazlewood, with 6/52 in 2017 against New Zealand.
Having redeemed himself from the disappointing T20 World Cup outing, Varun’s confidence is at an all-time high. He has now firmly cemented his place in the team, showcasing his prowess with the ball, even in pressure situations.