IPL 2022: Varun Chakravarthy working on a fresh variant for KKR

Varun Chakravarthy of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hopes to add a “new dimension” to his game once his new variation “clicks” in IPL 2022, and he expects the delivery to place him back on top of the wicket-takers list soon.

The 30-year-old mystery spinner would have added an eighth variation to his arsenal if everything goes according to plan.

After a breakout IPL season with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2020, where he took 17 wickets in 13 games, Chakravarthy was selected for India’s T20I series against England in March of last year, only to be pulled out due to fitness concerns.

In July of that year, he made his international debut against Sri Lanka.

He finished the IPL 2021 season with 18 wickets and was named to India’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the UAE last year.

But he hasn’t had the same success this season, with only four wickets in six matches and figures of none for 45 in three overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Brabourne Stadium on April 15.

Chakravarthy, on the other hand, is eager to get back on track, and he might do it as soon as KKR’s match against Rajasthan Royals on March 18 at the Brabourne Stadium.

“I’m working on a leg-spin routine (variation). For the last two years, I’ve been working on it. I’ve bowled it in a couple of matches and taken a wicket with it.

It will undoubtedly offer a new dimension to my game if it begins to click well. I need to get more confidence and begin bowling more frequently “Chakravarthy stated.

In a game like the IPL, Chakravarthy said it’s inevitable to get struck because opposing teams are constantly trying and planning for specific bowlers.

“You’re bound to get hit in cricket,” he remarked. “It’s only a matter of time before it happens.”

“People will devise strategies to defeat me. I had six to seven wickets in seven matches last year in the Indian leg of the IPL. Later on, I was able to pick up a few more wickets.

As a result, you can’t forecast how many wickets you’ll receive. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) is the best spinner at the moment, and while he has gone for runs, he is still the best. You’ll have a terrible day in a few matches; all you have to do is bounce back.”

This season’s IPL marks Chakravarthy’s return to competitive cricket after a calf injury sidelined him for about three months following the T20 World Cup.