“Varun Chakravarthy is a go-to guy for us” - Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel ahead of Super 8 clash against South Africa

Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel has stated that the mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy would be a strike bowler for the Indian team, heading into the Super 8 clash against South Africa.

Advertisment

During the pre-match press conference ahead of their Super 8 clash against South Africa on Sunday, February 22, in Ahmedabad, Morkel asserted that Varun has been a consistent wicket-taking threat for any opposition. 

"Varun is obviously a strike bowler for us. He's done really well in the World Cup so far, even before the World Cup. He's a go-to guy for us with Bumrah and the other bowlers who can take wickets," Morkel said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the game against South Africa.

"You also need guys to set the tone up front. You need your other three, four guys to create that pressure, to bowl together in partnerships for Varun to really be effective and to help him out," he added. 

"It's like a top-order batter. I think sometimes he also feels the pressure that he wants to try too many things. He wants to be the guy to break the partnership or to put us on the front foot, to give us that momentum. It's important to have those conversations for him, not to try to rush it. Things will happen if he lands the ball, if he bowls at the right pace," Morkel said.

"It's also important for him to understand that he's not alone on the field. I think that's been good for us so far, to get that bowling group unit around him, and they work well together. In terms of his preparation, he's a student of the game," Morkel concluded.

Varun Chakravarthy is currently the second-leading wicket-taker of the campaign, scalping nine wickets from four innings at an average of 6.89.

Advertisment

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!