Varun Chakravarthy Praises Gambhir’s Spartan Approach

In a recent interview, Varun Chakravarthy, currently the top-ranked T20I bowler in the world, lauded India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir for fostering a distinct ‘Spartan mentality’ within the team. He emphasized that this approach leaves ‘no option of losing’, requiring players to bring their best effort on the pitch.

Chakravarthy reflected on his career’s ups and downs, particularly his international comeback after nearly three years away from the team. He credited both Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav for their unwavering support during his return. ‘When Gambhir is around, mediocrity is not tolerated,’ Varun remarked. This high standard has undoubtedly elevated the team’s competitive edge.

Making his India debut in July 2021, Varun faced challenges during the T20 World Cup, which led to a period away from the squad. However, after excelling in recent IPL performances, he rejoined the team in October 2024. Varun’s resurgence has not only solidified his place in the T20I squad but also marked his ODI debut, contributing significantly to India’s Champions Trophy victory earlier this year.

Describing his discussions with Gambhir, Varun mentioned the focus on improving his bowling endurance. Adjusting from T20’s two-over spells to the longer durations required in ODIs has been a key area of development for him. Additionally, Gambhir’s advice extends to enhancing his batting skills, aiming to elevate his game in domestic cricket.

Varun also praised Kuldeep Yadav, highlighting their complementary bowling styles. With Varun’s speed and bounce at 95kph contrasted against Kuldeep’s impressive revs and spin, the duo has been instrumental for the Indian team, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup. Their synergy on the field offers India a robust bowling attack, signifying their potential in crucial upcoming matches.