'Varun Chakravarthy on verge of becoming world-class bowler in ODIs, T20Is'

NEW DELHI: Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has emerged as a crucial player in India's Champions Trophy campaign with his exceptional bowling performances.
Chakravarthy's impressive tally of seven wickets in two Champions Trophy matches, including a five-wicket haul against New Zealand in the group stage, has positioned him among the tournament's leading wicket-takers as India prepare for the final in Dubai on Sunday.
"I think he is a world-class bowler," former India opener Murali Vijay told PTI.
"He is on the verge of becoming a world-class bowler in ODIs and T20s because it is a very rare commodity to bowl the carrom balls and flippers and having that kind of control, which is fantastic to watch," he added.
India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav recently noted Chakravarthy's improved mental toughness and his ability to maintain composure regardless of on-field situations.
Vijay attributed the development to the natural progression that comes with regular international cricket exposure.
"I feel it is a natural progress, like what I am talking now from the way I started... and now I've got that little bit of rhythm, so that's how life is," he said.
"You got to go and give it yourself, (an) honest try and give your 100 per cent effort every time you walk into the field because wearing an India badge is something special for all of us. And, once you get it, you make use of it.
"You make use of those opportunities and make those opportunities (count) in an impactful way. So, that is what Varun has done in his short career. Bit I wish and hope that he has a long career in the Indian cricket team," Vijay added.
Vijay expressed pride in seeing another Tamil Nadu cricketer succeeding at the international level.
"He is coming from my state and I am very proud that the Indian team is being filled with lot of talent. They are ready to go and perform at that level, that is what is exciting for me to see as a fan, as a cricketer who played the game and a well-wisher of Indian cricket," he said.
Vijay, who played 61 Tests, 17 ODIs and nine T20Is for India before retiring in 2023, said that Rohit Sharma's team is forcing the opposition to do "catch up".
"To be honest, the Indian cricket team is playing a great brand of cricket for over a number of years now and all the players are in form and looking fit," he said.
"Indian cricket is on an upward curve, definitely, other teams have to catch up with us and (the Champions Trophy) final is going to be crucial. India will lift the trophy, we have been unbeaten and it's going to be crazy if we lift the trophy," he said.
Asked if Shreyas Iyer had made the No. 4 spot in ODIs his own with a strong showing, Vijay credited MS Dhoni for instilling the habit of playing with freedom.
"See, I have been playing with all of them, so I am a happy brother to be honest seeing all of them perform, even Virat Kohli for that matter, his hunger and the intensity that he brings on to the field every time and also Shreyas Iyer," he said.
"We have set a nice bench-mark for all of them. Dhoni is the primary person in this new age because he led us and he gave us that template to be free and express yourself. From there, Virat carried forward and now the youngsters are feeding on that."
"They know what to do at that level, they are no longer scared of what the opposition is going to do, so they are ready and raring to go," he continued.
Vijay added, "A mental approach and mental shift has happened with the Indian cricket team which is fantastic to watch."