‘We have the edge’: Varun Chakaravarthy’s bold claim before T20 World Cup blockbuster vs Pakistan

NEW DELHI: India’s dominant 93-run win over Namibia has not only strengthened their position at the top of Group A but also set the tone for a high-stakes showdown against Pakistan in Colombo, scheduled for Sunday, with mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy emerging as one of India’s biggest weapon ahead of the clash.

Speaking after the comprehensive victory, Chakaravarthy expressed confidence in India’s spin strength and hinted that the team holds a psychological edge going into the marquee encounter. “We have a strong spin attack, and I feel we have the edge over them,” he said, adding that belief and confidence are key when playing World Cup matches.

While acknowledging that Pakistan may benefit from familiarity with Sri Lankan conditions, he stressed that India’s preparation and recent dominance give them momentum.

India’s win was built on explosive half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya, who powered the side to 209/9 despite a four-wicket haul from Namibian skipper Gerhard Erasmus. Namibia threatened early in the chase, racing to 57/1 in the Powerplay, but the introduction of spin turned the game decisively. Chakaravarthy’s 3/7 in two overs, supported by Axar Patel (2/20), derailed the chase as Namibia were bowled out for 116.

Reflecting on his own evolution, the Indian spinner revealed how technical tweaks — more overspin, higher revs and quicker variations — have sharpened his threat. “At the international level, I don’t have the space to get my rhythm back. From ball one, I have to be on target,” he said, explaining that improving his existing deliveries rather than constantly adding new ones has been central to his recent success.

Chakaravarthy also admitted that the pitches in Delhi and Mumbai have been surprisingly sluggish, forcing bowlers to adapt quickly. Dew, he believes, could play a decisive role in Colombo, but his IPL experience has prepared him to handle such challenges.

Dew does play a big factor when you are bowling second and if you have to defend, sometimes it will play a big factor. There was a lot of dew today also, but we were able to do well. But we are also experienced because we play a lot of IPL, we know how to bowl if the dew comes in, he said ahead of the Pakistan game.

With two wins from two matches and confidence growing within the camp, India now shift focus to their fiercest rivals.

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