**Varun Chakravarthy Credits Gautam Gambhir for Instilling ‘Spartan Mentality’ in Team**
*By Parth Dhall | Oct 07, 2025, 09:31 PM*
India’s top-ranked T20I bowler, Varun Chakravarthy, has praised head coach Gautam Gambhir for instilling a “Spartan mentality” within the team. Under Gambhir’s guidance, Chakravarthy said there is “no option of losing,” with players expected to give their best on the field at all times.
Chakravarthy, who has been in sublime form recently, credited both Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav for supporting his international comeback after nearly a three-year hiatus from the Indian team.
### Support System: Gambhir and Suryakumar Backed Me During My Absence
Reflecting on his return to international cricket, Chakravarthy acknowledged the crucial role Gambhir and Suryakumar played in backing him as a key wicket-taker. Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai on Tuesday, he expressed gratitude for their trust.
“I was out of the team for more than three years, but I had a consistent good IPL. For them to recognize that and bring me into the team was great for me,” he said.
### Career Trajectory: Dropped After 2021 T20 World Cup, Strong Comeback
Chakravarthy made his India debut in July 2021 but was dropped from the T20I squad following a disappointing ICC T20 World Cup that year. However, after nearly three years away, he was recalled in October 2025 and has since been a regular member of India’s T20I side. He also made his ODI debut during this period.
Earlier this year, Chakravarthy played a pivotal role in helping India win the Champions Trophy, further cementing his spot in the team.
### Areas for Improvement: Gambhir Wants Me to Boost ODI Prospects
Although Chakravarthy missed the recent ODI squad for India’s Australia tour, he shared insights into how Gambhir is helping him improve his game to increase his chances in the ODI format.
“Basically, the conversations were around bowling longer spells,” Chakravarthy revealed. He also mentioned that Gambhir has advised him to bat higher up the order in domestic cricket and work on enhancing his batting skills.
### Career Highlights: Stunning Numbers Since T20I Comeback
Since his return to the T20I squad, Chakravarthy has taken an impressive 38 wickets in 18 matches at an outstanding average of 12.94. His economy rate stands at 7.23, showcasing his effectiveness and control.
Notably, he has recorded two five-wicket hauls in T20Is after returning—achieved against England and South Africa. This feat made him only the third Indian to claim multiple five-wicket hauls in T20 internationals, joining the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Overall, Chakravarthy boasts 40 wickets in 24 T20Is at an average of 15.60.
### Team Chemistry: Praising Kuldeep Yadav’s Impressive Run
Chakravarthy also praised fellow spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was the highest wicket-taker in the 2025 T20 Asia Cup.
“Kuldeep is definitely one of the most experienced bowlers right now in the pool of players that we have, and he has done amazingly well,” he commented.
The two spinners complement each other with their contrasting bowling styles and speeds, adding depth and variety to India’s bowling attack.
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