'Had Never Taken Rohit Bhai's Wicket': Varun Chakaravarthy's 'Meticulous Plan' to Dismiss MI Opener

Kolkata Knight Riders’ win over Mumbai Indians at the Eden Gardens made them the first side to officially enter the playoffs of IPL 2024. Playing a vital role in the two-time champions’ all-important victory was Varun Chakaravarthy, the side’s leading wicket-taker, who was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets.

Chakaravarthy gave KKR the big wicket of Rohit Sharma who seemed to be set to go big after a steady start through the Powerplay.

In the eighth over of MI’s chase of 158, Rohit made a couple of failed attempts off  Chakaravarthy to score through reverse sweeps. The Indian skipper then got a top edge when going for the conventional sweep which found the fielder at the short fine-leg fielder.

Chakaravarthy was particularly pleased with that wicket saying that he had never dismissed Rohit.

“I’ve never taken Rohit bhai’s wicket, I’d meticulously planned and it came off. The plan was to make him hit across the line and not through the line,” he said at the post-match presentation.

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Chakaravarthy also revealed he discusses the plans with his spin partner Sunil Narine but pointed out that they go about things differently.

“Narine and I do talk. Tactically we are different, technically we are similar. There are similarities. I see what we do well, and where we are improving. Have done the same thing,” Chakaravarthy added.

READ MORE: KKR vs MI: Kolkata Knight Riders Book Playoff Berth with 18-Run Win Over Mumbai Indians

The spinner was given the Player of the Match award for his bowling performance and gave his thoughts on the pitch. “The wickets were too flat initially. Mis-hits were going for six. I’ve been bowling the same, results are coming now,” Chakaravarthy said.

READ MORE: IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap Updates, KKR vs MI: Jasprit Bumrah Reclaims Top Spot, Harshit Rana Rises to 4th

Chakaravarthy is now the leading wicket-taker for KKR this season with a tally of 18 wickets at an economy of just 8.34 runs per over, marking his importance in the side’s dominant run into the playoffs.