Indian Player Receives High Acclaim, Labeled a ‘Rare Gem’. It’s Neither Virat Kohli Nor Rohit Sharma.

Varun Chakravarthy has emerged as a crucial player in India’s successful campaign in the ongoing Champions Trophy. Former opener Murali Vijay stated on Friday that the mystery spinner is on the brink of becoming a world-class white-ball bowler due to his mastery of the carrom ball and flippers. Chakravarthy has taken seven wickets in two Champions Trophy matches, including a five-wicket haul against New Zealand in the group stage, placing him among the tournament’s top wicket-takers as India aim to clinch the prestigious ICC title in Dubai on Sunday.

“I think he is a world-class bowler,” Vijay told PTI during an exclusive interaction at the sixth Annual Charity Golf Tournament organised by the housing non-profit ‘Habitat for Humanity India.’

“He is on the verge of becoming a world-class bowler in ODIs and T20s because it is a very rare skill to bowl carrom balls and flippers with such control, which is fantastic to watch,” he added.

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav recently mentioned that Chakravarthy has become “mentally tougher” and maintains a calm demeanor on the field, no matter the situation. Vijay believes this is a natural progression that comes with playing international cricket regularly.

“I feel it is a natural progression, like how I’ve evolved from my early days to now having found my rhythm. That’s just how life works,” he said.

“You have to give it your honest effort and give 100% every time you step onto the field because wearing the India badge is something special for all of us. Once you get that opportunity, you must make the most of it and create an impact. That’s exactly what Varun has done in his short career. I wish and hope he has a long career with the Indian cricket team,” Vijay added.

Vijay also expressed his pride in seeing another Tamil Nadu cricketer, Varun, excel at the highest level.

“He comes from my state, and I’m very proud that the Indian team is filled with so much talent. They are ready to perform at that level, and as a fan, a former cricketer, and a well-wisher of Indian cricket, it’s exciting to see,” he said.

Vijay, who played 61 Tests, 17 ODIs, and nine T20Is for India before retiring in 2023, praised Rohit Sharma’s team for setting a high standard that forces opponents to “catch up.”

“Honestly, the Indian cricket team has been playing a fantastic brand of cricket for several years now. All the players are in form and looking fit,” he said.

“Indian cricket is on an upward trajectory, and other teams have to catch up with us. The Champions Trophy final will be crucial, and I believe India will lift the trophy. We’ve been unbeaten so far, and it will be incredible if we win,” he added.

When asked if Shreyas Iyer has solidified his place as India’s No. 4 batsman in ODIs with his consistent performances, Vijay credited MS Dhoni for instilling a culture of playing with freedom.

“I’ve played alongside all of them, so I’m a proud brother seeing them perform. Whether it’s Virat Kohli with his hunger and intensity or Shreyas Iyer, they’ve all carried forward the benchmark we set. Dhoni played a pivotal role in this new era by giving us the template to express ourselves freely. Virat carried that forward, and now the youngsters are thriving on it,” he said.

“They know what to do at this level, and they’re not intimidated by the opposition. They’re ready and eager to perform. A mental shift has occurred within the Indian cricket team, and it’s fantastic to witness,” Vijay concluded.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)