Mystery spinner Varun Chakarvarthy has been in terrific form in recent times. He has picked nine wickets in the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2025 and played a crucial role in the knockout stages of the tournament. However, after losing a bit of bite in his bowling Chakarvarthy’s resurrection of his career began in the 2024 IPL where he picked up 21 wickets.
“Whenever I play some domestic, I try to work something new. Every year I try to bowl something new,” Chakarvarthy said ahead of the match.
“Last year it worked out, in seasons before that it didn’t. I have a few balls up my sleeve but it will depend on other factors also.”
Speaking about bowling against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday Chakarvarthy said, “Anyone at this level, you cannot think of it as an easy opposition. Every team in the IPL is as good as the other one. RCB have a quality team, but we have done our homework. I have done my homework too.”
“The ball can deviate in three ways: left, right or straight. So how I choose those balls, the sequencing of it – that’s where the tactical side of the game comes and that’s what I’m working on,” he added.
Chakarvarthy has been used in different phases last year by Shreyas Iyer. However, this year Ajinkya Rahane will lead the side. “Whenever my captain wants me to bowl, I am ready for it. I have bowled in the powerplay, middle and death also. We have a new captain this time and he has spoken to me about where I can be most effective. I have also conveyed that to him,” Chakarvarthy said.
