In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup 2026 showdown with New Zealand, Anil Kumble has spotlighted Varun Chakravarthy’s recent struggles as a major headache for India, potentially overloading Jasprit Bumrah in the final.
Varun, India’s mystery spinner, was a group-stage sensation but lost his mojo in Super-8 and the England semi-final. At Wankhede, his four overs cost 64 runs for one wicket, marking his costliest T20 outing. He also gave away 40 against West Indies, hemorrhaging 104 runs for two scalps in these outings.
Kumble, chatting with ESPN Cricinfo, didn’t mince words: ‘Varun’s role in middle-over breakthroughs is vital. Without him firing, opponents target only Bumrah, ramping up pressure on India.’
Captain Suryakumar backed Varun over benchwarmer Kuldeep, but stats are grim: post-December 2025, eight of his 11 priciest spells have surfaced.
History looms large – India winless against New Zealand in T20 World Cups, shaky in Ahmedabad ICC events. Kiwis eye their first title since 2021’s near-miss.
This final tests India’s depth. Sticking with Varun risks Bumrah burnout; switching to Kuldeep could steady the ship. Fans await the captain’s gamble.