India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav recently praised mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy for his impressive transformation since returning to international cricket. Yadav, speaking at an event, noted the significant changes Chakravarthy has undergone, pointing out his newfound mental toughness and the positivity he brings to the game.
Chakravarthy showcased his skills during India’s dominant victory over New Zealand on March 2, 2025, in Dubai, where he achieved remarkable bowling figures of 5/42. This performance played a pivotal role in helping India secure the top position in their group, leading them to the semifinals of the tournament. “The way he left in 2021 and the way he has come back, they are two different Varun Chakravarthys,” said Suryakumar, emphasizing the evolution of Chakravarthy’s game.
Chakravarthy was benched for the first two group matches of the tournament, making his selection all the more significant. “He deserves all the recognition for what he has been doing; I have been watching him closely and have spoken with him multiple times since his comeback,” added Suryakumar, expressing his happiness for the spinner and acknowledging his hard work and dedication since 2021.
Suryakumar went on to discuss the importance of team selection, highlighting the need for players to be chosen based on their specific skill sets rather than merely focusing on the popularity of all-rounders. “At the end of the day, it's all about what skills you bring to the team. If it’s in the best interest of the team, then you have to pick those bowlers,” he emphasized.
Commenting on the camaraderie within the Mumbai Indians, Suryakumar dismissed any concerns over leadership dynamics, particularly because the team features multiple Indian captains, including Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah. “When we are in our Mumbai Indians setup, it feels like family. We don’t think about having three or four captains; we operate as one team,” he stated. This perspective reflects the unity and team spirit the players maintain, allowing for collective decision-making.
While discussing the various leadership roles within the team, he acknowledged, “Yes, we have several captains, but when we sit together, whether it’s five, seven, or ten of us, we make collective decisions on how to steer the team forward.” Such collaboration enhances team dynamics and contributes to the overall effectiveness of the squad.
At 34 years old, Suryakumar remains dedicated to playing across all formats of the game. “I started with red-ball cricket, then moved to white-ball formats, and eventually played ODIs and T20Is. I enjoy the game with passion and take one format at a time,” he concluded, indicating his commitment to continuing his cricketing career.
Overall, Suryakumar Yadav’s insights highlight not only the individual growth of Varun Chakravarthy but also the collaborative spirit within the Mumbai Indians and the overarching approach to player selection based on skills, ensuring the team is well-equipped for success.