Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan criticised Ajinkya Rahane’s handling of Varun Chakaravarthy during Kolkata Knight Riders’ clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday. Pathan pointed out that the spinner, already low on confidence, wasn’t used effectively at a time when he needed backing. Since the T20 World Cup, Varun has looked short of rhythm, with opposition batters reading him better and taking the attack to him. Despite finishing with 14 wickets in the tournament, joint-high alongside Jasprit Bumrah, he conceded runs at over nine an over, raising concerns. His struggles were clear against South Africa, where he was hammered for 47 runs in a heavy defeat. The trend has carried into the IPL as well, leaking 48 runs in four overs against the Mumbai Indians, and conceded 31 in just two overs against the SRH.
Pathan pointed the finger at Rahane’s captaincy, stressing that a skipper’s role is crucial in lifting a bowler’s confidence, especially during tough phases, as he questioned the decision-making around Varun’s usage.
“Captain plays a big role to get your confidence up as a bowler. If he doesn’t support you in a moment where you think you can do better and you have got the momentum, this is where the leadership comes in and this is why he (Varun Chakaravarthy) should not have bowled in the power play,” Pathan said on ESPNCricinfo.
The leg-spinner was brought into the attack during the powerplay and was taken apart for 25 runs in that over. He responded well in his next spell, conceding just six runs, but wasn’t given the opportunity to bowl out his full quota.
“Losing on a bowler, who can be your match-winner”
Pathan went a step further in his criticism, arguing that Rahane’s decisions ended up putting unnecessary pressure on one of KKR’s key bowlers, and highlighted how the early use of Varun Chakravarthy in the powerplay backfired before things improved later on.
“You are losing on a bowler, you know, who can be your trump card, who can be your match winner, who has been your match winner. You are giving him the tough job as a captain. So this is where Ajinkya Rahane did really well in the second half, but first half literally messed it up with Varun Chakaravarthy by bowling him in the power play,” he concluded.
