IPL 2025: Varun Chakaravarthy Eager to Dismiss Rohit & Kohli

Synopsis

Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is keen to take the wickets of renowned batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during IPL 2025. With three wickets already in the tournament, he reflects on his journey and experiences while managing high expectations.

Key Takeaways

Varun Chakaravarthy aims to dismiss Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in IPL 2025.
He emphasizes the importance of starting fresh after each tournament.
Maintaining simplicity in execution is crucial during high-pressure situations.
Chakaravarthy acknowledges the expectations that come with playing in the IPL.
His partnership with Sunil Narine has improved through years of collaboration.

New Delhi, March 31 (NationPress) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is eager to take the wickets of India captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli during the ongoing IPL 2025 season.

When asked about the batsmen he aims to dismiss this season, Chakaravarthy mentioned his teammates, highlighting the iconic batting pair of Rohit and Kohli among others.

"Certainly, any batsman who is performing exceptionally well. Players like Heinrich Klaasen, Nicholas Pooran, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav are all star players. I would feel delighted to take their wickets," he stated on JioHotstar’s special program ‘Gen Bold’.

The spinner, who has claimed three wickets in two matches so far, will have the opportunity to challenge Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav when they face the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on Monday.

The 33-year-old is enjoying a remarkable run after finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker in India's championship-winning campaign at the Champions Trophy in Dubai earlier this month. He was also integral to KKR's success in the previous edition of the lucrative league.

Reflecting on his experiences this season, Chakaravarthy remarked, "The takeaway is that even if you excel in a prior tournament, you must restart from the beginning. That's the essence of cricket. You might have outstanding performances in two or three tournaments, but in the next one, you must begin anew. Thus, I am preparing for a fresh start."

Discussing his strategy for crucial game situations, Chakaravarthy shared insights gained from competing in high-pressure matches.

"What I have learned so far is to maintain simplicity - avoid attempting something extravagant, and don’t look for a miraculous delivery or a spectacular moment. The most significant factor is to adhere to your fundamentals, execute them flawlessly," he explained.

As a pivotal bowler for KKR, the spinner addressed the expectations that accompany the IPL. "Expectations have always existed since my debut game, and it’s not limited to me - it applies to every cricketer in the IPL. That’s the nature of competitive cricket. Therefore, it’s essential to concentrate on your process and not get too far ahead of yourself," he stated.

Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine, one of KKR’s strongest bowling pairs, have cultivated a deep understanding over the years. Acknowledging Narine's influence on his growth at KKR, Chakaravarthy noted, "After five years together - this is my sixth year with him - we no longer need extensive communication. He doesn’t have to guide me as much. I can learn simply by observing his actions.

"Of course, if I have any uncertainties, I always approach him for advice. We have consistently bowled well together, and he has been the most valuable player in T20 cricket since the start. Even this year, he will undoubtedly be the MVP."