After being added to the Indian squad for the ODI series against England, spinner Varun Chakravarthy finally made his debut at the age of 33 in the second ODI. This led him to become the oldest player in India's history to make his ODI debut, surpassing Farokh Engineer who made his debut at the age of 36 in 1974. The spinner was initially not included in the playing XI for the first ODI, but was given a chance in the second match in place of Kuldeep Yadav. India made two changes with Virat Kohli coming back from injury and Yashasvi Jaiswal being benched, while England brought in three players - Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton.
Varun Chakravarthy's Historic ODI Debut: A Tale of Perseverance and Determination
Varun Chakravarthy made history by becoming the oldest player to debut for India in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) at the age of 33. His debut, which occurred in the second ODI against England, surpassed the record set by Farokh Engineer, who made his debut in 1974 at the age of 36.
Background:
Chakravarthy's journey to the international stage has been far from conventional. He began playing professional cricket relatively late, at the age of 27. Despite his late start, he quickly rose through the ranks, impressing with his unique bowling style and variations.
In 2019, Chakravarthy made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for the Kolkata Knight Riders. His performances in the IPL caught the attention of the Indian selectors, who added him to the ODI squad against England in March 2021.
The Debut:
Chakravarthy was not initially included in the playing XI for the first ODI. However, an injury to Kuldeep Yadav gave him a chance to make his debut in the second match. He seized the opportunity, bowling economically and picking up two crucial wickets.
Age and Records:
Chakravarthy's debut at the age of 33 has set a new benchmark in Indian cricket. He is the oldest ODI debutant for India, surpassing Engineer's record. His debut also marks a shift in the BCCI's selection policy, which has traditionally favored younger players.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Q1: How did Chakravarthy's unique bowling style contribute to his success? A1: Chakravarthy is known for his variations, including a deceptive googly. He can bowl a variety of deliveries with different speeds and trajectories, making it difficult for batsmen to predict his next move.
Q2: What factors delayed Chakravarthy's international debut? A2: Chakravarthy's late start to professional cricket and a lack of regular opportunities at the domestic level contributed to the delay in his international debut.
Q3: How did India's injury concerns influence Chakravarthy's playing time? A3: Kuldeep Yadav's injury provided an opportunity for Chakravarthy to make his ODI debut. He capitalized on the chance and delivered a strong performance.
Q4: What are Chakravarthy's aspirations for the future? A4: Chakravarthy has expressed his desire to establish himself as a permanent member of the Indian ODI team. He also aims to play in the T20 World Cup in 2023.
Q5: How does Chakravarthy's debut compare to other notable late bloomers in Indian cricket? A5: Chakravarthy's debut is comparable to that of Pragyan Ojha, who made his Test debut at the age of 28 and became a key member of the Indian team. Other late bloomers include Anil Kumble and Bishan Singh Bedi.
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