The star spinner Varun Chakravarthy has provided stern warning to star batter Virat Kohli ahead of the IPL 2025 season opener match between KKR and RCB on March 22 at Eden Gardens.
Gearing up for the showdown against Kohli, KKR spinner Varun will be hoping to put in a dominant show against RCB star. Both were part of India’s Champions Trophy title run putting a stellar display in their own department.
Varun Chakravarthy has bowled to Kohli on several where he conceded 40 runs in 39 balls and has also bagged his wicket once.
Speaking in the post match conference, Varun said, “I’ve done just the same preparation I did last year. Definitely excited to be coming up against Virat. Obviously, he’s batted well against me, and I would like to do well against him also.”
“Anyone at this level, you cannot think of it as an easy opposition. Every team in the IPL is as good as the other one. RCB have a quality team, but we have done our homework. I have done my homework too.”
While asked about his preparations for facing the likes of Virat Kohli on Saturday, Varun didn’t spill much details, but gave some insight into his strategy.
“Whenever I play some domestic, I try to work something new. Every year I try to bowl something new,” he said.
“Last year it worked out, in seasons before that it didn’t. Obviously, I have a few balls up my sleeve but it will depend on other factors also.
“Basically, the ball can deviate in three ways: left, right or straight. So how I choose those balls, the sequencing of it – that’s where the tactical side of the game comes and that’s what I’m working on.
“Whenever my captain wants me to bowl, I am ready for it. I have bowled in the powerplay, middle and death also. We have a new captain this time and he has spoken to me about where I can be most effective. I have also conveyed that to him,” Varun Chakravarthy concluded.
Varun has picked up 31 wickets since his comeback in T20I format. The spinner maintained strike rate of 8.9 in his last 12 games. The spin duo of Varun and Sunil Narine is a dangerous prospect for any team in the tournament.
Varun also spoke highly of his teammate Sunil Narine, saying, “He’s a legend of the game, one of the greats. We had a few conversations this year, and he looks very well-prepared. He looks to take on the IPL just like how he did last year.”
