T20 World Cup: India Looks to Varun Chakaravarthy to Anchor Spin Attack Against South Africa

India’s explosive batting line-up has been central to the team’s dominance in T20Is over the past year and a half.

Equally crucial, however, has been the impact of Varun Chakaravarthy, whose wicket-taking abilities have made him a vital cog in India’s T20 World Cup campaign.

Quickly establishing himself as an essential part of the T20I squad since his India comeback in October 2024, Chakaravarthy has been a mystery for most opposition batters.

With nine wickets from four matches, he is India’s top wicket-taker so far in this World Cup. His strategy of consistently attacking the stumps with variations such as change of pace, googly, over-spin, and under-cutter keeps him a step ahead of even well-set batsmen.

Chakaravarthy’s performance overseas also underlines his effectiveness. In seven T20Is across South Africa and Australia, he claimed 17 wickets, including 12 from four matches in South Africa and five from three matches in Australia.

How Has Varun Chakaravarthy Performed Against South Africa

His consistency, positive mindset, and mastery over variations make conditions largely irrelevant when he is bowling.

South African opener Quinton de Kock, who played alongside him for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2025 season, praised him as a “very good bowler” ahead of the crucial game.

Chakaravarthy took 17 wickets in 13 IPL matches in 2025 at an average of 22.53, finishing as the ninth-highest wicket-taker of the season.

De Kock highlighted Chakaravarthy’s recent exploits against South Africa, and said, “I think everyone has their way about going about it. I think just at the end of the day our guys just have to stick to their own strengths and use their instincts at the right time. I think that's it. He's a good bowler, a very good bowler at the moment. And obviously he bowled really well against us in the series, like two months ago,”

Chakaravarthy’s previous encounters with the Proteas underline the challenge for South Africa. In the five-match T20I series in December last year, he claimed 10 wickets in four innings at an average of 11.20, playing a crucial role in India’s 3-1 series win, with one match abandoned due to rain.

His googly proved a potent weapon, while his over-spin and occasional change of pace troubled top-order batsmen including Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram.

Why Do South African Batters Struggle Against Varun Chakaravarthy?

The Indian spinner’s variations, including a newly honed under-cutter, have already earned him wickets in the ongoing World Cup.

South African batters, like others, have found that attempting to launch him for big hits is a mistake. Maintaining accurate stump-to-stump lines, exhibiting patience, and executing diligent footwork will be key for South Africa and other teams facing him.

Chakaravarthy’s familiarity with conditions at the Motera, where India defeated South Africa by 30 runs two months ago with him taking 4/53, provides a further advantage.

However, India may face questions about their spin attack on the black-soil Motera wicket. Apart from Chakaravarthy, skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy and spinner all-rounder Axar Patel is expected to return after being rested for the Netherlands game.

Arshdeep Singh, who replaced chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav against the Dutchmen, may or may not continue in the XI.

Kuldeep, while occasionally expensive, could still provide tactical variations against teams less adept at facing spin.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s performances, both domestic and international, continue to be central to India’s strategy and aspirations as they prepare for the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup.

(With inputs from ANI)