Varun Chakaravarthy’s Bat Breaks Before First T20I

Ahead of the first T20I between India and South Africa at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Varun Chakaravarthy unexpectedly became the centre of attention—but not for his bowling. During a net session, his bat broke cleanly from the handle while he attempted his first shot. Known mainly for his mystery spin, Chakaravarthy has often spoken about wanting to improve his batting and contribute lower down the order.

His recent performances in the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he hit a few sixes while leading Tamil Nadu, showed that he was serious about developing this side of his game. The BCCI shared a video capturing the moment when he stood on the outfield holding the bat split into two pieces.

Laughing off the incident, he said, “I don’t know what happened, the handle just cracked. I didn’t expect that, it was my first ball in the nets.” His reaction added to the amusement around the scene. With India still searching for stability at No. 8, even small signs of improvement from a bowler with the bat are being closely watched. A capable lower-order hitter could strengthen the balance of the team and give the management more freedom with their bowling choices.

Growing Confidence In The Lower Order

Chakaravarthy’s efforts with the bat may still be a work in progress, but moments like these show his willingness to experiment and grow. India’s lower order has often been under scrutiny, especially in T20Is where depth can make a big difference.

Although his bat breaking was a comedic moment, it also highlighted how hard he has been trying to improve. As the team continues to test options for the No. 8 slot, even small contributions with the bat can help specialist bowlers like him find a secure place in the lineup. His commitment to sharpening all aspects of his game reflects the evolving demands of the modern T20 cricketer, where bowlers are increasingly expected to contribute with the bat as well.

Key Player For The Upcoming Series

Varun Chakaravarthy enters the IND vs SA T20I series as one of India’s most important assets. Ranked No. 1 in the world among T20I bowlers, he has built remarkable consistency since his return in 2024. He has gone wicket-less in just two of his last 21 matches, a testament to his reliability across formats and conditions.

In 2025 alone, he averages 13.96 across 16 T20Is with an impressive economy rate of 6.98. His performances in the 2025 Asia Cup and the Australia tour further strengthened India’s confidence in using a three-spinner approach. With his current form and ability to deliver breakthroughs at crucial moments, Chakaravarthy is set to play a crucial role throughout the series.