Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth backed ace spinner Varun Chakaravarthy to do a number on the England middle-order in the blockbuster T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal in Mumbai on March 5. Varun has troubled England several times in the past in T20Is, picking up 14 wickets in five matches at an average of under 10 and an economy of 7.66.
The veteran spinner has enjoyed an impressive run in the ongoing tournament, picking up 12 wickets at an average of 15.33 and an economy of 7.66. Yet, Varun’s recent form has been slightly underwhelming, with only three wickets in his last as many matches at an economy of almost 10.20.
Talking about the matchup between Varun Chakaravarthy and the England middle-order, Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel (25:30):
“He has got hit the last few matches. But he’ll easily packet the likes of Bethell and Banton. Harry Brook will charge down the wicket and get stumped to him. Varun has picked Brook up many times. Brook will charge every ball even before Varun bowls and get dismissed each time.”
Srikkanth also believes the matchup between Jasprit Bumrah and the England openers could be decisive, saying:
“How the England openers handle Bumrah will be crucial. I believe Buttler will try to play freely. He has been getting out by playing too restrictively and not playing his natural game. Phil Salt is playing too much across the line. He has to play straight.”
Both England openers, Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, have been misfiring in the tournament, averaging a dismal 13.35 between them.
“The first six overs of batting will be very crucial for India” – Kris Srikkanth
Kris Srikkanth called the matchup between ace England pacer Jofra Archer and the Indian openers, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, another crucial phase in the upcoming semifinal. Samson is coming off a match-winning 97* off 50 balls in India’s win over the West Indies in a virtual quarterfinal.
Meanwhile, Abhishek has been poor throughout the competition, averaging under 14 at a strike rate of 131.14 in six matches.
“Archer is in great rhythm, and so there is a chance Abhishek Sharma might get caught behind due to the extra bounce. Similar to last year, Sanju Samson also has to be wary of getting caught in the deep against his bouncer. If Sanju gets over that phase, he will tear this bowling apart. The first six overs of batting will be very crucial for India,” said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).
After a slow start, Archer has hit top gear with the ball and averages an impressive 22.50 with 10 wickets in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran
