Former CSK Player Says “Varun Chakaravarthy Is More Valuable Than Bumrah” In T20Is

Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath has made a bold claim, saying Varun Chakaravarthy is more valuable than Jasprit Bumrah in T20Is.

The 34-year-old spinner currently holds the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I bowling rankings, having taken 45 wickets in 27 innings at an average of 15.68 and an economy rate of 6.88.

“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,” Badrinath told Star Sports, as reported by The Times of India.

Badrinath also lauded the spinner’s remarkable turnaround after initially being dropped from the national side due to fitness issues.

“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.”

Calling Chakaravarthy a key weapon for India, the former batter said his success could define India’s fate in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

“He's 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.”

Even in the recently concluded T20I series against Australia, Chakaravarthy stood out as India’s leading wicket-taker - claiming five wickets in three innings at an economy rate of 6.83.