“More Valuable Than Bumrah”: Varun C Gets Odd Praise For Skills

Subramaniam Badrinath claimed that Varun Chakaravarthy is now more valuable to India’s T20I team than Jasprit Bumrah.

Former cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath has made a striking claim, suggesting that spinner Varun Chakaravarthy holds greater value to India’s T20I side than pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. This high praise comes after the 34-year-old Varun Chakaravarthy‘s influential role in India’s 2-1 series victory over Australia.

The world’s top-ranked T20I bowler featured in all five matches, taking five wickets and, crucially, stifling the Australian batters’ run-scoring throughout the series with his economical spells.

ALSO READ | CSK, RR Re-engage In Sanju Samson Trade Talks

His ability to control the game in any phase has marked him as a key asset for the team moving forward. “Numbers tell us that Varun Chakaravarthy is the No. 1 T20 bowler in the world. He is more valuable than even Bumrah. Whenever the runs are flowing in the powerplay or the middle overs or even in the 18th over, Varun is the go-to bowler. He has gone to a different level with his game.

A superb comeback after being given a chance initially and getting dropped because of fitness. But in this second phase after his comeback, he has taken his game to the next level,” Badrinath said on Star Sports.

Elaborating on Chakaravarthy’s importance for future tournaments, Badrinath added, “He’s a huge asset for India, in fact, even a weapon. Going forward, with the T20 World Cup in India, he will be the most crucial factor. If Varun has a good day, there is a great chance the Indian team will have a good day.”

ALSO READ | CSK CEO Confirms MS Dhoni Will Play in Next IPL Season

Chakaravarthy’s international journey has seen a significant revival. After a debut in 2021 and subsequent dropping following the T20 World Cup, he fought his way back into the national side on the back of a stellar IPL 2024. His return has been impressive, with 17 wickets in 7 T20Is last year and 26 scalps in 16 matches so far in 2025, solidifying his status as a primary weapon in India’s bowling attack.