Irfan Pathan, the former India all-rounder, has shared his thoughts on the performance of mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand. Pathan noted that there has been a noticeable difference in Varun’s bowling form during the tournament.
In the group stage, Varun was exceptional, picking up nine wickets in four innings at an average of 6.89. However, his form took a dip during the Super 8s, where he managed only four wickets in as many innings at an average of 46.50. Despite the criticism, Varun still remains India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 13 wickets.
Pathan suggested that there might be discussions about including Kuldeep Yadav in the XI for the final, but he personally would back Varun. He emphasized the importance of Suryakumar Yadav’s role in helping Varun regain his form and suggested that using him at the right moment is crucial for his confidence.
The mental state of Varun will play a significant role in the final, according to Pathan. He mentioned that if Varun is mentally strong and his first over goes well, it will boost his confidence. However, if the team feels otherwise, they might consider bringing in Kuldeep Yadav. Pathan reiterated his support for Varun and highlighted the importance of captaincy in managing the spinner effectively.
Varun has taken 13 wickets in the tournament at an average of 19.07, showcasing his potential to be a match-winner for India. As the team prepares for the final showdown against New Zealand, Varun’s performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.
In conclusion, Pathan’s insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing Varun Chakaravarthy in the T20 World Cup final. It will be interesting to see how the Indian team manages the spinner and maximizes his potential on the big stage.
