「アシュウィンの功績は大きい」：ヴァルン・チャクラヴァルシーはベテランとの比較を軽視、「及ばない」

India cricket team’s T20I spinner Varun Chakravarthy admitted that he was nowhere close to Ravichandran Ashwin to be compared with the legend. His remarks come ahead of his first appearance in the Indian jersey at his hometown Chennai in IND vs ENG 2nd T20I. Chakravarthy, who has been a rising star in the shortest format of the game, remarked that Ashwin’s shoes were big to fill, as he paid tribute to the veteran spinner who announced his retirement from international cricket last month.

“Don’t compare me with Ashwin”: Chakravarthy

Speaking to reporters ahead of IND vs ENG 2nd T2I. Chakravarthy pointed out that he hadn’t reached a stage where he could be compared with all-format player Ashwin. He admitted that he wasn’t even close to the veteran spinner who had gone on to take 500+ Test wickets. Chakravarthy said that he was just making a comeback and intended to stick with the Indian team for as long as possible.

“Comparing him to me is big. Ashwin has played all three formats. I am just making a comeback. I haven’t reached a stage where I can be compared to him. But still, everybody, when they make it to the Indian team, wants to play for a long time. I am following my process. Let the hard work take me where it can. It’s better that way. I am not thinking about filling someone’s shoes. Ashwin’s shoes are big to fill. He has taken 500-plus Test wickets. I am not even close yet,” Chakravarthy said.

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While the IPL 2024 season played a key role in his resurgence, it is Chakravarthy’s consistent domestic performances that have kept him in peak form. His outings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2023, where he took 19 wickets with a strike rate of 18.00, were particularly instrumental in maintaining his rhythm.

Since his comeback, the 33-year-old has claimed an impressive 20 wickets in T20Is at an average of 11.70, making him the highest wicket-taker in the format not only for India but among full-member nations.