"He is more valuable than even Bumrah" - Subramaniam Badrinath's stunning claim on Team India star after AUS vs IND 2025 T20Is

Former Indian batter Subramaniam Badrinath claimed ace spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is an even more valuable asset in T20Is than Jasprit Bumrah after the T20I series against Australia. Varun enjoyed incredible success despite playing on the faster and bouncier pitches down under in the five-match series.

The 34-year-old finished with five wickets in three innings at an average of 16.40 and an economy of 6.83. Varun's exploits ensured India continued their dominant T20I form, winning the series 2-1.

Talking about Varun Chakaravarthy at the end of the series on Star Sports, Badrinath said:

"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. 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."

Varun boasts outstanding T20I numbers with 45 wickets in 29 outings at an average of 15.68 and an economy of under seven, including two 5-wicket hauls.

"He will be the most crucial factor" - Subramaniam Badrinath

Subramaniam Badrinath believes Varun Chakaravarthy will be the most crucial factor for India in the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, to be played on home soil. The veteran spinner played a vital role in the side's triumph in their most recent ICC event - the 2025 Champions Trophy in the UAE.

"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," said Badrinath (via the aforementioned source).

Varun debuted for India in T20Is in 2021 but picked up only two wickets in five matches before getting dropped. He returned to the side after the 2024 T20 World Cup, thanks to an impressive IPL 2024 season with 21 wickets.

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Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran