'Varun Chakravarthy is more valuable than even Jasprit Bumrah' - Ex-CSK star's massive claim over India's best T20I bowler

Former India and Chennai Super Kings batter Subramaniam Badrinath has made a surprising claim, expressing that mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy is a better bowler than the likes of Jasprit Bumrah in T20Is at the moment. The statement came after the end of the five-match series between India and Australia, where the visitors won 2-1.

Badrinath is of the opinion that someone like Chakravarthy is capable of bowling at any point of time during an innings, be it powerplay, middle phase, or even the slog overs. Notably, the Tamil Nadu spinner claimed five wickets in three innings against Australia, making him the best bowler for the Men in Blue. Badrinath feels that he makes more impact to overpower even Jasprit Bumrah, who has 99 wickets in the format.

"Numbers tell us that Varun Chakravarthy 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. 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," Badrinath said on Star Sports as quoted by India Today.

"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," Badrinath added.

Speaking of Bumrah's numbers in the series, the Ahmedabad-born also played three innings, but was able to pick three wickets at an economy of 6.58, slightly better than Chakravarthy's 6.83 runs per over. The ace pacer will next be seen in India's two-match Test series against South Africa at home, starting November 14. Chakravarthy, on the other hand, is expected to play the T20Is against the Proteas during the same tour, but in December.