There’s never a dull moment in Indian cricket, and the last week has delivered a feast of drama, dazzling performances, and a few lingering questions. As the dust settles on the high-octane T20I series between India and Australia, attention has turned sharply to individual stars—both those on meteoric rises and others facing scrutiny. Meanwhile, the women’s game has served up its own compelling narrative, with Jemimah Rodrigues’ return to the pitch after World Cup glory capturing the imagination, even if the result didn’t quite go her way.
Let’s start with the men’s T20I series that just wrapped up, where India clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Australia, with two games washed out by rain. The series was a showcase of emerging and established talent, but it was Varun Chakravarthy who stole the spotlight. The right-arm spinner, who made his international debut back in 2021 before being sidelined for two years, has returned with a vengeance. Chakravarthy finished as India’s highest wicket-taker in the series, snaring five wickets at an impressive average of 16.40 and an economy rate of 6.83. It’s no wonder that former Indian cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath was effusive in his praise.
During a conversation on Star Sports, Badrinath didn’t mince words: “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.”
Chakravarthy’s journey has been anything but straightforward. After being overlooked for two years, his sensational performances for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024 thrust him back into the national spotlight. Since then, he’s not only become the number one ranked T20I bowler in the ICC rankings as of September 2025, but he’s also played pivotal roles in India’s ICC Champions Trophy triumph in March and the Asia Cup victory in September. With 45 wickets in just 29 T20Is at an average of 15.68 and an economy of 6.88, his stats speak volumes.
Badrinath went even further, calling Chakravarthy “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.” That’s high praise, especially when compared to Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, who managed three wickets at an economy of 6.58 in the same series. While Bumrah’s class is undeniable, it’s clear that Chakravarthy’s unique skill set is giving India a new edge in T20 cricket.
Yet, not everyone emerged from the Australia series with their reputation enhanced. Shubman Gill, who entered the contest with high expectations, found himself under the microscope. Former Test opener Aakash Chopra didn’t hold back on his assessment: “This tour was like a damp squib for him, where it was expected that he would stamp his authority, but that didn’t happen. In fact, he has come back with just question marks everywhere. I, personally, don’t feel there are question marks. The home series will give us a little more insight, but the questions will remain because the Indian team plays cricket like that.”
Gill’s numbers weren’t disastrous—132 runs in five T20Is at an average of 44 and a strike rate of 136.08, including two unbeaten knocks of 37 and 29. But rain played spoilsport at crucial moments, notably in Canberra and Brisbane, just as Gill seemed poised for big scores. His ODI form, however, was less forgiving, with only 43 runs in three matches, and his Asia Cup tally of 127 runs in seven games has kept critics talking. The pressure is on, and the upcoming home series could be decisive for Gill’s T20I aspirations.
If Gill’s form left fans scratching their heads, Abhishek Sharma’s performance had them on their feet. The left-handed opener was a revelation against Australia, racking up 163 runs in five matches at a blistering strike rate of 161.39 and an average of 40.75. Awarded Player of the Series, Sharma’s fearless approach drew admiration from all quarters. Aakash Chopra summed it up perfectly: “It was a very difficult question as to how he (Abhishek) would play, whether his playing style would work in Australia. Can you even play like that there? He said it doesn’t make a difference, whether (Josh) Hazlewood is there or not, that he would throw his bat, whether (Xavier) Bartlett, (Nathan) Ellis, or whoever else comes.”
Chopra continued, “When he went to Australia, he went as the No. 1 batter in the T20I rankings, but the truth is that until someone hits Australia in Australia, they aren’t considered No. 1. So the way Abhishek Sharma batted, he has been very good. The rise and rise of Abhishek Sharma is beautiful to watch.” With a five-match T20I series against South Africa on the horizon, all eyes will be on Sharma to see if he can continue his scorching form.
Meanwhile, on the women’s circuit, Jemimah Rodrigues made her much-anticipated return to competitive cricket, just days after helping India clinch a historic ICC Women’s World Cup title. The star batter, fresh off an unbeaten 127 in the semifinal against Australia, was greeted with a warm welcome in Brisbane as she suited up for the Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). But cricket, as ever, can be a cruel game. Jemimah managed only six runs off nine balls before being caught at backward point by Deandra Dottin off Alice Capsey’s bowling. Her team, Brisbane Heat, could only muster 133 all out, with Nadine de Klerk (40) and Chinelle Henry (29) offering resistance.
The Melbourne Renegades, aided by a rain-shortened chase, made light work of the revised 66-run target, cruising home in just 7.3 overs. Courtney Webb’s unbeaten 34 and Georgia Wareham’s calm 16 not out sealed the deal. Wareham also shone with the ball, taking 3/12 and leading from the front. Despite the result, Jemimah’s presence generated significant buzz, with fans and pundits alike eager to see how she bounces back from this minor setback after the World Cup high.
As Indian cricket fans look ahead, the stage is set for more twists and turns. Varun Chakravarthy’s resurgence, Abhishek Sharma’s rise, and the ongoing debates around Shubman Gill’s form ensure there’s plenty to talk about. On the women’s side, Jemimah Rodrigues’ journey will be followed with keen interest as she seeks to recapture her World Cup-winning touch. With the T20 World Cup and more marquee series on the horizon, the coming months promise even more excitement and intrigue.
For now, the spotlight shines brightest on those who have seized their moment—and those determined to make the next one count.
