Champions Trophy: Varun Clarifies Rohit's "One Variation" Comment, Discusses His Bond With Ashwin

March 3, 2025: Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy recently opened up about his strong bond with former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, shedding light on their interactions during their time together at the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024. Chakravarthy, who has been one of the standout performers for India in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, shared insights into how Ashwin has been a constant well-wisher and guide for him.

The two spinners spent time together in the same dressing room at Dindigul Dragons in the TNPL. Chakravarthy reflected on this experience and said, "Yes, I've spoken to him (Ashwin) during our TNPL times. I play for his team. I do have some conversations with him at those times. And yeah, he's been a well-wisher for me." This bond between the two seems to have had a positive influence on Chakravarthy’s growth as a bowler.

Chakravarthy also touched upon an interesting comment made by India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, ahead of India's group-stage match against New Zealand. Rohit had mentioned that Chakravarthy doesn't bowl too many variations during nets sessions and only bowls "one kind of variety" to the Indian batters. Chakravarthy provided a detailed explanation for this comment, saying, "But in T20, I build my over differently. The way of sequencing different balls is different. And in ODI, it is different. So that's why they don't feel that I don't bowl all the variations, but I do bowl all the variations."

Ahead of India's final group stage match against New Zealand, Chakravarthy put on a spectacular performance, taking 5 wickets for 42 runs. This five-wicket haul played a crucial role in India's 44-run victory. Despite the impressive spell, Chakravarthy admitted to feeling nervous before his first over, as memories from his disappointing performance in the 2021 T20 World Cup at the same venue came rushing back. However, the support from senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya proved vital in calming his nerves. "The first spell of mine, I was a little nervous because the previous things, the emotions, and all were playing whatever happened in the last three years before in this ground. But Virat bhai, Rohit, and even Hardik, they were telling calm down, calm down. They were coming and talking to me. That really helped," he recalled.

Chakravarthy's ability to overcome past challenges and his performance in the Champions Trophy is a testament to his mental strength and the support of his teammates, making him one of India’s key bowlers in the tournament.