IND vs BAN: Coming back into the Indian team feels like a ‘rebirth’ for Varun Chakaravarthy

India chased down Bangladesh’s meagre total of 127 with 49 balls to spare after Varun’s fine spell of three for 31 left the visitor reeling, as Suryakumar Yadav’s side took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

India’s Varun Chakaravarthy against Bangladesh in a T20I. | Photo Credit: AP

Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy termed his comeback into the Indian team after three long years as a “rebirth” and an “emotional moment” even as he thanked the legendary Ravichandran Ashwin for helping him grow in confidence during the last edition of Tamil Nadu Premier League.

India chased down Bangladesh’s meagre total of 127 with 49 balls to spare after Varun’s fine spell of three for 31 left the visitor reeling, as Suryakumar Yadav’s side took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

“After three long years, it was definitely emotional for me. Feels nice to be back in the Blues. It feels like a rebirth, I just want to stick to the process, that’s what I have been following in the IPL [Indian Premier League] as well,” Varun told the broadcasters after the match.

Varun troubled the Bangladesh batters, who failed to read him. Among them was middle-order batter Jaker Ali, who had his stumps disturbed with a ball that turned back in.

The 33-year-old spinner, playing only his seventh T20I, added that he wanted to just soak in the moment and not look too far ahead.

“I don’t want to go beyond what’s there and I just want to stay in the present, that’s why I don’t want to think too much or express too much. After IPL I played few tournaments and one of those was TNPL; it’s a very good tournament and of a high standard as well.”

Varun added that working with India off-spinner Ashwin during the TNPL really worked well for him and boosted his morale.

“That’s a place (TNPL) where I work a lot, with Ash (Ashwin) bhai also, we won the championship as well. That gave me the confidence here. It was a good preparation for me for this series.”

On the dropped catch off his bowling in his first over, Varun said it was part of the game.

“It could have gone my way, but that’s how cricket is, I can’t complain, thankful to God. There have been many (challenges), once you are not in the Indian side, people tend to write you off very easily. You need to stay in the highest level, again and again you need to keep knocking the door, thankfully this time it happened. Hopefully, I can keep continuing my good work.”

Pace bowler Arshdeep Singh, who was declared Player of the Match, was mighty impressed with debutant Mayank Yadav, who is coming off a long injury layoff.

“Even my normal balls felt like slower balls compared to his (Mayank’s) pace. Really excited the way everyone bowled, especially Mayank,” he said.