India legend Sunil Gavaskar termed Team India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy a magician after his performance against New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series in Nagpur.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Gavaskar said: “He was walking back to the mark, upright, wasn’t looking fazed by the fact that he’d been hit for a couple of sixes, and that’s always a very good sign. That’s a very encouraging sign from a player who sometimes gives the impression of not having enough confidence and belief in his ability. He’s a magician, make no mistake. He bowls brilliantly.”
Chakaravarthy started well and picked up the wicket of Tim Robinson, caught by Shivam Dube at mid-wicket, off the third ball of his spell. However, he conceded 14 and 11 runs in his next two overs respectively. The 34-year-old made a strong comeback and picked up the wicket of Mark Chapman in his final over, finishing with figures of 2/37 at an economy rate of 9.25.
Gavaskar was not overly concerned with Chakaravarthy’s performance and said: “Varun looked a little rusty, but that’s understandable. He picked up two wickets and the economy rate, when the batters are going hell-bent for leather, was pretty decent as well. The important thing is that his body language was good. Often, you know, his body language, sometimes when he’s taken for a few runs, can be a little bit down.”
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