India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has given credit to India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir for playing a key role in his comeback to the team. Chakravarthy was dropped from India’s T20I side after he could not deliver in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
He made his much-awaited comeback in the T20I series against Bangladesh in 2024, and since then, he has been phenomenal in the white-ball format.
Speaking to RevSportz, Varun Chakravarthy said, “Yes, Surya (Kumar Yadav) and Gautam (Gambhir), they have played big roles in my comeback because they wanted me. Surya told me before the Bangladesh tour that “I’m looking at you, let’s see how the other things go, but I’m keen on having you in the team set-up.”
“Similarly, Gauti Bhai has also helped me a lot in my comeback, the way he motivates me. Even if we talk a little, he has always given me good confidence and he’s always told me that “no matter who’s going to ignore you, I will keep you in my plans for now.” So, that kind of gave me confidence,” he added.
Chakravarthy had played under the tutelage of Gautam Gambhir when the former Indian opener was the Kolkata Knight Riders’ mentor in IPL 2024. The mystery spinner said Gambhir has motivated him to give his absolute best.
“And if you ask about Gauti Bhai as a mentor, then I would say he brings in a warrior mindset in the dressing room, which is very important and has worked for us at KKR and in the Champions Trophy. We even got to see that in the recently concluded England vs India Test series. He brings energy to the dressing room, which is very important. Around him, I always feel there is no mediocrity. You give everything you have, and it doesn’t matter whether you win or you lose.”
The 33-year-old also showered praise on Suryakumar Yadav and compared him with Rohit Sharma.
“And if you ask about Gauti Bhai as a mentor, then I would say he brings in a warrior mindset in the dressing room, which is very important and has worked for us at KKR and in the Champions Trophy. We even got to see that in the recently concluded England vs India Test series. He brings energy to the dressing room, which is very important. Around him, I always feel there is no mediocrity. You give everything you have, and it doesn’t matter whether you win or you lose.”
India’s Asia Cup squad will be announced on Tuesday, and Chakravarthy is expected to be part of the team.
