'The batters have figured out how he bowls' - Wasim Jaffer analyses Varun Chakaravarthy's recent ineffectiveness ahead of Afghanistan T20Is

Spin Wars: Can Chakka Reclaim His Edge Before Afghanistan?

Varun Chakaravarthy is back to steer India's spin battery alongside Rishabh Bishnoi in the 3-match T20I series vs Afghanistan (Sept 13, 15, 17 at Arun Jaitley, Delhi). The 34-yr-old leg-spinner returns after a hamstring injury from the England T20I that also saw him miss the Zimbabwe tour.

Here's the thing though — Wasim Jaffer isn't mincing words. The former India bat reckons oppositions have cracked the Chakka code.

"Batsmen have figured out how he bowls. Most deliveries come in, ball doesn't move away. When it lands in their hitting zone, no hesitation — they go for the big shot."

And the numbers back the concern. IPL 2026 with KKR was a slog: 11 matches, just 11 wkts, avg 32.73, SR 22.3, and a leaky 8.78 econ. Best spell? A tidy 3/14. In value terms, his wicket-taking yield has clearly depreciated.

But Jaffer's not just targeting his own man — he's warning everyone. "Afghanistan are dangerous in T20s. India should dominate, but don't be shocked if they nick one match. Not taking them lightly — this could be a tricky series. Win it, or it's a poor show."

Bottom line: This series is a make-or-break valuation test for Chakaravarthy. If he can't reintroduce variation and keep the ball turning away, the market's already pricing him out. Afghanistan? Respected opponents, not pushovers.

Source: Crictracker