“If you bowl spin, they’re just going to smack you left, right and centre” – Varun Chakaravarthy on India’s batters

Varun Chakaravarthy reflected on India’s dominant seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in the first T20I, speaking about his bowling plans, dealing with setbacks and the importance of focusing on the process rather than results.

Varun said the Indian team had identified the right lengths to bowl on the Delhi surface before the game.

“Yeah, so we have been used to playing on such pitches and we know the dimensions in Delhi,” he said at the post-match press conference. “It is not a big ground. So, there are certain lengths that you have to hit and we were initially given the stats: these lengths work on this ground and these lengths do not work on this ground. So, we stuck to our plans and it worked out.”

Reflecting on his recent performances, including the England tour, Varun said there is always something to learn, regardless of the result.

“It is just good, brother,” he said in response to a question. “The thing is, the England tour was also good for me. Just because we did not win, it does not mean that it has gone to waste. You get to learn a lot if you lose also. So, there is nothing that goes to waste and, as we said today, even if things would not have gone our way, we would have had the same mindset of learning something. So, every match is a learning experience and the results sometimes come our way, sometimes they do not.”

Asked about the pace of his bowling, particularly the delivery to Darwish Rasooli, Varun said he does not make major changes to his pace.

“Generally, my pace is within a certain range only. So, I do not change my pace much, but it is the same. It is just the lengths, I think, which matter on this wicket. It is not very full or very short; it is just right in between that sweet spot which you have to hit. That works on this wicket.”

Varun also spoke about dealing with fluctuations in form and why he does not allow results to dictate his mindset.

“I cannot go by results,” he said. “If I go by results, I will start reacting to each and everything. If it goes my way, I will start being very happy. If it does not go my way, I will become very sad. I cannot go that way.

“So, the best way for me is to see the process. If it is a good ball and if it is still hit for a six, I will always take it. But if it is a bad ball and it is a wicket, I have to go and work on it again. So, that is how it works.”

On injuries and setbacks, Varun said players sometimes have to step back and return stronger.

“Look, injuries are very common for all sportspeople and it just shows that we are working, we are giving our best. Sometimes we push beyond our limits and that is when the body gives in. So, that is when we have to take a step back and work better and come back stronger.”

Varun was then asked about the pressure around wickets and how he keeps himself focused on his process.

“It is not about wickets,” he said. “It is about whether I am bowling in the right place or not. Whatever happens after that, it is not in my control.

“So, what is in my control is until I pitch the ball. After the ball pitches, if the ball can turn or cannot turn, it is not in my control. I will see until that. If it is still that, if it is fine, yeah, I will take it. I don’t go by results.”

Varun also praised Abhishek Sharma for his explosive 82 and the partnership with Ishan Kishan before highlighting India’s strength against spin.

“While sitting in the dressing room, I was just telling someone that, against our team’s batting line-up, you can’t bowl spin. So, if you bowl spin against our batting line-up, they’re just going to smack left, right and centre. We are just so used to playing spinners.

“So, yeah, one of the best batting line-ups we have, our top eight batsmen. Anyone can take on any spinner in this world. I have personally bowled against them, played against them. I know how hard it is.”

India will face Afghanistan in the second T20I on September 15, with the third and final match scheduled for September 17.