Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra heaped praise on Varun Chakaravarthy after his brilliant match-winning spell in the first T20I against England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Chakaravarthy's slow, flighted deliveries played a pivotal role in restricting England to 132, leading India to a comfortable seven-wicket win in the opening match of the five-match series on January 23.

Varun Chakaravarthy, who registered impressive figures of 3/23 in four overs, was lauded by Aakash Chopra for his ability to bowl slow through the air, a style that sets him apart from other spinners like Afghanistan's Rashid Khan. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra explained how Chakaravarthy’s approach in the powerplay has evolved, with his controlled, slow bowling becoming a key factor in India's bowling success.

“Since the time Varun Chakaravarthy has come back, he has started bowling in the powerplay. He came and bowled the sixth over and his bowling was incredible. The thing I am liking the most is that he is bowling slow in the air. He is happy to just flight the ball,” Chopra commented.

Chopra emphasized the importance of pace variations, explaining that many spinners tend to bowl faster when under pressure. However, Chakaravarthy's confidence allows him to maintain a slower pace, even when hit, a trait Chopra compared with Rashid Khan's contrasting faster style.

"Pace is a huge marker in my opinion, because nowadays, spinners become fast as soon as they get hit and fast bowlers become slow. If a spinner bowls with confidence, he goes slow. You go slow even if you are hit for a six unless you are a Rashid Khan. His bowling style is different. He will bowl fast. However, Varun Chakaravarthy is not Rashid," Chopra added.