Irfan Pathan said the Indian team management must tell Varun Chakravarthy to sit out the T20 World Cup 2026 final after his poor form continued. Enter the tournament as the world’s number one T20I bowler and pick up nine wickets in the first phase of the competition. However, since the start of the Super 8s, the spinner has conceded 122 runs from his 12 overs in matches against South Africa, Zimbabwe and the West Indies.
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IND vs ENG T20 WORLD CUP 2026: MAIN | SCORECARD
in Wankhede, Varun was once again taken to the cleaners by the England batsmenconceding 64 runs in his four overs for just one wicket. Despite this, the spinner, with 13 wickets from eight matches at an average of 19.07, is the tournament’s joint-leading wicket-taker. Pathan said on his YouTube channel that getting Varun in the right frame of mind will be key for India to reach the final.
The former all-rounder said he would not allow Varun to come to the ground for practices and cut short his interactions with the management. Pathan said bring Varun straight to the finale.
“Now the next challenge is New Zealand in the final. India will have to plan their strategy carefully. One important factor will be getting Varun Chakravarthy back in the right frame of mind. His confidence seems low now.”
“If I was part of the Indians camp, I would have him shut down completely for two days. I wouldn’t let too many people talk to him or let him come to the ground either. Just bring him straight into the final with a fresh mind and positive energy. He won’t change much in one day anyway. That’s my opinion,” Pathan said.
WHAT IS VARUN’S RECORD AGAINST NEW ZEALAND?
New Zealand has not been one of Varun’s favorite opponents in his career as he has just four wickets in as many matches. The spinner averages 32.75 and has an economy rate of 8.18 against the Blackcaps.
Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Varun has picked up 8 wickets in three matches at an average of 14.25 and an economy of 8.25.
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Published on:
06 Mar 2026 09:31 IST
