Varun Chakravarthy or R. Ashwin?

After Varun was chosen for the India’s second game against New Zealand, the debate over whom should India choose – has only gotten louder.

The murmurs started inevitably after the record- breaking and convincing victory by Pakistan against the Indian side.

Admittedly, Chakravarthy proved a little bit expensive against Pakistan especially in his last over.

Before jumping to a conclusion, let’s look at both the players in detail.

Ashwin: The Experienced Card

R.Ashwin is a very good and experienced spinner and there is no doubt about that.

He is making a comeback after almost 4 years in the national side for the T20 world cup but the reason for his comeback is not only the experience he has but also his form in the recent IPL.

He might have not picked up too many wickets in the IPL but he has bowled some very good spells and most importantly with a very low economy rate which is very important in the T20 format.

He can provide his team with not only some good breakthroughs but also maintain a good economy rate as we have seen in the warm-up match of India against Australia.

He picked up the wickets of the Australian top order and helped his side to restrict the Aussies for a low total.

So, he is someone who can win games for you.

V.Chakravarthy: The Trump Card

Now let’s talk about Varun Chakravarthy, a very fine right-arm leg-break bowler who was selected as a trump card in the Indian side for the T20 world cup.

He got a good reputation before the world cup all over India.

The mystery spinner was a part of the match against Pakistan but was unable to showcase his talent due to some brilliant batting from the Pakistani openers.

He is a wicket-taker and we have seen him many times taking wickets at crucial times.

He is obviously, a bowler who can pick up wickets in the middle overs and maintain pressure over the opposition by blocking the flow of runs.

He has a lot of variety and his ability to pick up wickets at any stage of the game is beyond doubt and definitely, it was the reason for his selection in the team.

Ashwin or Chakravarthy?

Now the answer Ashwin or Chakravarthy?

I think Ashwin is no doubt a very experienced and quality bowler but it makes sense to go with Chakravarthy over Ashwin at least for now.

Ashwin is a good bowler and he has a very good economy rate.

He might keep the scorecard tight but in T20s you want wickets to win the games.

Varun is that type of bowler who can pick up wickets and break partnerships.

Yes, he was a little bit off-color against Pakistan but I think that was a bad day for the whole team India as none of the Indian bowlers was able to pick up a wicket against Pakistan.

V. Chakravarthy will be a great asset for the Indian team in the years to come and it makes sense to invest in him.

If India drops him in the next few matches, it will only lessen his confidence that is not good for a new bowler.

His first match was against Pakistan in front of thousands of people, it is obviously not easy for a youngster.

He must be given a few more chances to prove himself.

Ashwin will definitely get some chances in the next matches but for now, Chakravarthy should not be dropped and he must be a part of the playing eleven