New Delhi, March 7 – Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble noted that Varun Chakravarthy's dip in form could increase the pressure on Jasprit Bumrah to perform well in the upcoming encounter as the Indian team prepares for a high-stakes final against New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday.
Chakravarthy, the top-ranked T20I bowler, had been one of India's standout bowlers in the group stage, taking nine wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 5.2. However, since the Super Eight phase, his performance has been concerning, with just four wickets in as many games, and his economy rate has increased to 11.6.
In the Super Eights games, Chakravarthy has faced a challenging period. Previously, he had been consistently performing, regularly taking key wickets.
"Yes, it is a concern for India because he has been their go-to bowler, he has been their wicket-taking bowler in the middle overs. Obviously, it puts extra pressure on Jasprit Bumrah. So, it's not easy when the opposition starts to look at India and say, 'okay, it's only Jasprit Bumrah's four overs that we need to be worried about, not necessarily Varun'," Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo.
In the semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Chakravarthy, who was one of the joint top wicket-takers in the tournament, finished with figures of 1-64. This was his most expensive T20I performance and tied for the second most expensive in tournament history. Additionally, eight of Chakravarthy's 11 most expensive T20I spells have occurred since December 2025.
Speaking of the final, India has never beaten New Zealand in the T20 World Cups, and the recent history of ICC events in Ahmedabad hasn't been kind to the Indian team. The Kiwis, meanwhile, are yet to win a T20 World Cup title. The stage is set for a thrilling final, and Ahmedabad braces for a showdown that promises to be one for the ages.
