Team India’s ace spinner Varun Chakaravarthy was named the ‘Impact Player of the Match’ following his sensible performance within the 17-run victory over the Netherlands in the course of the T20 World Cup 2026 group stage. The mystery spinner delivered a sensational spell, claiming 3 wickets for just 14 runs in his three overs on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 18.
The medal was presented within the dressing room by Adrian Le Roux, the team’s strength and conditioning coach, who praised Chakaravarthy’s improved fitness and lauded his consistent performances throughout the tournament. After receiving the award, Chakaravarthy was encouraged by his teammates to present a speech.
He had previously led the team talk in the course of the huddle before their match against Pakistan in Colombo. Watch the special moment here:
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“Asli tournament next match se chalu ho raha hai, toh uske liye ready hona hai aur dogfight may be very vital. (The true tournament begins from the subsequent match, so we’ve to be ready for that, and dogfight may be very vital),” Chakaravarthy said in his speech after receiving the medal within the dressing room.
Varun Chakaravarthy bowled Max O’Dowd out in his opening over against the Netherlands, then went on to dismiss Colin Ackermann and Aryan Dutt on back-to-back deliveries within the thirteenth over. Along with Chakaravarthy, players like Mohammed Siraj, Ishan Kishan, and Shivam Dube have also received the dressing room award earlier within the tournament.
Varun Chakaravarthy Bags Nine Wickets in 4 T20 World Cup 2026 Matches for Team India
Following his superb three-wicket haul against Scott Edwards and his side, the Indian star has climbed to second place on the wicket-takers’ list within the T20 World Cup 2026. He has claimed nine wickets at a formidable average of 6.88 and a remarkable economy rate of 5.16, trailing only USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk.
Chakaravarthy will next feature in Team India’s opening Super 8 clash against South Africa at the identical venue on Sunday, February 22. Each teams dominated the group stage, winning all 4 of their matches to complete at the highest of their respective tables.
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