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Varun Chakraborty displayed a spin-bowling masterclass in the first T20I of five-match series between India and England in Kolkata. His impactful double-wicket at the top disrupted England’s batting lineup, increasing India’s control of the match. increases Arshdeep SinghWith Varun collapsing early, Varun’s accurate targeting cemented India’s dominance in the game.
Varun Chakravarthy’s double punch shook England
In the game-changing seventh, Varun showed his extraordinary skills to deliver a double strike that stunned England. The first to fall is Harry Brookwho showed promise with an aggressive 17 off 14 balls, including two fours and a six. Varun tricks Brook with a wrong’un that drifts and spins hard, slips through the pad, after taking a thin edge from the bat, to hit the stumps. Brook, playing for a straight delivery, was undone by a sharp turn and an unfortunate edge, ending what looked like a potential innings decider.
Two balls later, Varun unleashed another gem to remove Liam Livingstone for a duck. The delivery, angled to the right-hander, drifted and drifted through the pace. Livingstone, waiting for the turn that never came, played the wrong line, leaving his stumps in disarray. Varun’s bowling accuracy and guile dismantled England’s middle order, leaving them reeling at 65/4. These two dismissals highlighted Varun’s ability to outthink the batters under pressure, tilting the tide in India’s favour.
Here is the video:
Tree strikes ✅
A double-wicket in ✅
Varun Chakaravarthy chose both! 👏 👏
Follow The Match ▶️ https://t.co/4jwTIC5zzs#INVENG | @chakaravarthy29 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/CvmIylUVmQ
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 22, 2025
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England’s first struggles in Kolkata against India
The first ten overs of England’s innings saw a combination of aggressive batting and tight bowling from India. England lost Phil Salt for a duck in the opening to Arshdeep, who continued his brilliance through dismissal Ben Duckett soon after, leaving the visitors trailing at 17/2 in the third. If Buttler then took office, showing his aggressive intentions with many boundaries. His unbeaten 48 from 30 deliveries, comprising six fours and one six, steadied the innings amid early losses.
Arshdeep set the tone with his impeccable line and length, ending his three overs with impressive figures of 2/10 at an economy of just 3.33. Varun complemented him perfectly, taking 2/16 in his three overs, dismantling England’s middle order. Ravi Bishnoi kept the pressure intact, conceding just six runs in his opening over. Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel expensive but playing supporting roles as England struggled to accelerate after the powerplay. At the halfway mark, England reached 77/4with Buttler anchoring the innings. India’s bowlers will look to capitalize on their momentum in the remaining overs to restrict the visitors to a modest total.
