How many T20I matches Varun Chakravarthy missed for India since his last appearance?

Varun Chakravarthy returned to India’s T20I XI after impressive performances in the IPL for KKR.

Tamil Nadu and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy made a comeback to India’s T20I XI on Sunday at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, Gwalior, where India hosted Bangladesh for the first T20I of the three-match series.

This was only the sixth T20I appearance for the 33-year-old Chakravarthy, who had made his T20I debut more than three years ago. Chakravarthy returned to India’s XI after almost three years.

During this period, he had two terrific Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons for KKR. In IPL 2023, he picked up 20 wickets and in IPL 2024 he snapped 21 wickets, helping KKR win the title.

When was the last time Varun Chakravarthy played for India?

Varun Chakravarthy’s last T20I was in November 2021, during the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE. He was then dropped from the side as he had picked up only two wickets in six matches. His injury issues and fielding weakness further played a part in him being away from the national side for the last three years.

How many T20I matches Varun Chakravarthy missed for India since his last appearance?

Chakravarthy missed 86 matches between his last appearance for India in November 2021 and his return to the side against Bangladesh in October 2024.

Only fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed had missed more games for India between two appearances.

Most T20Is missed between two appearances (India):

104 – Khaleel Ahmed (2019-24)

86 – Varun Chakravarthy (2021-24)

73 – Sanju Samson (2015-20)

70 – Shivam Dube (2020-23)

On his return, Chakravarthy had a poor start as he leaked 15 runs in his first over, but he bounced back superbly to take two wickets in his next two overs.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.