Ahead of India’s upcoming match against South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Varun Chakaravarthy, the wrist-spinner, mentioned that the pitch conditions at Narendra Modi Stadium favor his bowling style. Chakaravarthy highlighted that the pitch has undergone changes since their last encounter in December 2025.
Chakaravarthy has an impressive record against South Africa, having taken 22 wickets in eight T20Is, with his best figures of 5-17 in Gqeberha in 2024. Currently, he holds nine wickets in four matches with an economy of 5.2 and a strike rate of 8, placing him joint second in the tournament’s wicket-taking list behind USA’s Shadley Van Schalkwyk.
Speaking to broadcasters before the game, Chakaravarthy expressed how a skidding pitch benefits his bowling style due to his quick delivery through the air. He emphasized the importance of taking wickets, stating that his role in the team is crucial, especially during the middle overs and powerplay.
Acknowledging the unique atmosphere at the ground, Chakaravarthy mentioned the significance of playing in a packed stadium, which adds a different energy to the game. Despite the challenges of defending totals on smaller grounds with flat wickets, he remains optimistic about the team’s performance and looks forward to the upcoming matches.
