Varun Chakaravarthy Wins Mind Game Against Australia's Tim David
Varun Chakaravarthy came out on top in his psychological duel with Australian batter Tim David during the second T20I match between India and Australia at the MCG in Melbourne.
The Turning Point of the Match
As Australia chased 126 runs on Friday, Tim David stepped in to bat after captain Mitchell Marsh fell to Kuldeep Yadav in the 8th over. With just 39 runs needed from 12 overs, Australia seemed in control until India's spinners disrupted their rhythm.
Mind Games on the Field
Having already dismissed Travis Head, Chakaravarthy set an aggressive field for David’s arrival. Tilak Varma positioned himself at short-leg, prompting a smile from David, who recognized the move as a pressure tactic orchestrated by India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
In response, David tried his own psychological play. When Chakaravarthy began his run-up, David stepped away from the crease, halting the delivery. The exchange caused amusement among Suryakumar and the commentators, who saw the humorous side of the standoff.
Chakaravarthy Has the Last Laugh
After finally getting off the mark with a soft push to mid-off, David soon fell victim to Chakaravarthy. Attempting another stroke, he chipped the ball straight back to the bowler, who made an easy catch to secure the crucial wicket.
“Varun Chakaravarthy had the last laugh in the mind games with Australia batter Tim David.”
Author’s Summary
Chakaravarthy’s calm composure and tactical fielding turned the light-hearted mind games into a key breakthrough that shifted momentum firmly in India’s favor.