Phil Salt Faces Varun Chakravarthy's Debut
Chakravarthy's debut and performance against England, including facing players like Phil Salt, will be pivotal in understanding his potential in the ODI format, and whether he can bring his T20 success to the longer game, potentially becoming a key player for India in the future.
Varun Chakravarthy, at 33 years and 164 days, became the second-oldest player to debut for India in ODIs, after Farokh Engineer, who debuted at 36 years and 138 days, and he did so against England with a unique set of skills that include mystery deliveries and pressure bowling.
Chakravarthy's debut on March 26, 2021, marked a significant moment in his career, showcasing his ability to adapt to different formats of the game. His ODI debut came in the second match against England, where he replaced Kuldeep Yadav, highlighting the team's trust in his capabilities. Chakravarthy's style of bowling, known for its uniqueness and ability to handle pressure, was put to the test in this new format.
However, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar observed that Chakravarthy might have tried too hard to adjust his style for the ODI format. Manjrekar suggested that Chakravarthy deviated from his successful T20 approach, where he allows batters to play freely, instead opting to bowl slower and attempt to deceive them. This deviation from his natural game could be an area for Chakravarthy to reflect on as he continues his ODI career.
As Chakravarthy looks to establish himself in the ODI team, his experience and unique bowling style will be valuable assets. The comparison with other players who debuted at an advanced age, such as Ajit Wadekar and Dilip Joshi, places Chakravarthy in a league of cricketers who have successfully transitioned into international cricket later in their careers. His journey will be closely watched, especially as he faces challenges like adapting to different formats and opposition, including players like Phil Salt.
