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Varun Chakravarthy: news, facts and key points

2 stories · latest 01 Nov 2026 · View the player page

Key points from the latest coverage

India Weigh Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Kuldeep Yadav Changes for Fifth T20I vs New Zealand

India lead the five-match T20I series 3-1 ahead of the fifth match against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on November 1, 2026.
New Zealand won the fourth T20I in Auckland by 87 runs, with Glenn Phillips scoring 107 and Jacob Duffy taking four wickets.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is being considered for a return to the playing XI after Sanju Samson’s scores of 67, 14, 18 and 4 in the series.
Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy have not featured in the first four matches and are possible specialist-spin options for the finale.
India’s bowling options are under scrutiny after Bhuvneshwar Kumar took one wicket in three matches and conceded 139 runs at an economy rate of 11.58, as reported by PTI.

India Coach Sairaj Bahutule Explains Why Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy Remain on Bench

India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy understand that team combinations may limit their chances in the New Zealand T20I series.
Both spinners were left out of India's playing XI for the fourth T20I at Eden Park, where New Zealand scored 259/7 and won by 87 runs.
Bahutule said the two bowlers continue to work behind the scenes and are prepared to play whenever required.
The coach said he hoped they could get an opportunity in the final T20I at Hamilton or in upcoming ODIs, although Chakravarthy is not part of the ODI squad.
Bahutule highlighted Axar Patel's ability to bowl in the Powerplay and execute different roles depending on match situations.

Did you know? Facts about Varun Chakravarthy

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 45 off 19 balls in the third T20I in Wellington, including four fours and four sixes, according to match previews. Read the story →
Sanju Samson’s series scores before the final match were 67, 14, 18 and 4. Read the story →
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s reported economy rate across his three appearances was 11.58. Read the story →
Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy were both in the squad but had not played in the first four T20Is. Read the story →
Kuldeep Yadav last played a T20I on October 9, 2026, against the West Indies in Ranchi, according to the report. Read the story →
Bahutule said India encourages its spinners to attack, while noting that defensive bowling can also serve an attacking purpose in the right situation. Read the story →
Varun Chakravarthy was not part of India's ODI squad, so the coach's reference to upcoming one-day matches applied to Kuldeep rather than both spinners. Read the story →

All stories on Varun Chakravarthy

India Weigh Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Kuldeep Yadav Changes for Fifth T20I vs New Zealand

India head into the final T20I against New Zealand with a 3-1 series lead, but the 87-run defeat in Auckland has raised questions over selection. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could return at the top, while Kuldeep Yadav or Varun Chakravarthy are options to strengthen the spin attack.

India Coach Sairaj Bahutule Explains Why Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy Remain on Bench

Spin coach Sairaj Bahutule says Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy understand India's team-combination decisions and remain ready for opportunities after sitting out the New Zealand T20Is.

Also in the news with Varun Chakravarthy

India New Zealand Kuldeep Yadav Kuldeep Yadav Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Sanju Samson Arshdeep Singh Jacob Duffy