VVS Laxman impressed with Varun Chakravarthy, says he’s got an X Factor

The emergence of Varun Chakravarthy over the last couple of seasons has been yet another inspiring tale from the IPL. The architect turned cricketer has bamboozled players with his guile and spin and following tremendous performances with Kolkata Knight Riders, Varun Chakravarthy now finds himself living his dream with the Indian Cricket Team.

Chakravarthy’s moment in the limelight arrived in the first T20I against the island nation where he wore the Team Indian jersey for the first time. He made a wonderful start to his international career and picked up the wicket of Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka to register figures of 1 for 28 from his four overs.

The 29-year-old’s Indian debut was finally the breakthrough that he would’ve wanted after a few disappointing setbacks in the past. Chakravarthy was ruled out from the squad before since he failed to clear a fitness test. He was also among the players who contracted Coronavirus during the most recent season of IPL and had to battle the dreaded disease.

However, the mystery spinner’s performances have attracted plenty of praise and adulation from everyone. Former India batting great VVS Laxman has heaped praise on Chakravarthy and claimed that the mystery that surrounds his bowling gives him an X Factor.

“Firstly, I am glad that he (Varun Chakravarthy) got this opportunity, because twice he was already selected, but didn’t pass the fitness test and was not part of the squad. I think there’s lot of chat about the mystery surrounding his bowling,” Laxman said on Star Sports’ show Game Plan.

“I was talking with the Sunrisers batsmen and they are all impressed with the way and the consistency with which he bowls in different parts and phases of the match.

“He can bowl with the new ball, he can come and take wickets whenever the captain and the team wants to break a partnership – that means he’s got an X-factor,” Laxman added.

Laxman then batted for more opportunities for Varun Chakravarthy in international cricket. He needs to be groomed well and expecting ‘miracles’ from him every now and then is unrealistic.

“I was talking with the Sunrisers batsmen and they are all impressed with the way and the consistency with which he bowls in different parts and phases of the match.

“He can bowl with the new ball, he can come and take wickets whenever the captain and the team wants to break a partnership – that means he’s got an X-factor,” Laxman added.