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Chakravarthy played seven matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali and six matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Tamil Nadu this season and picked up 9 and 18 wickets, respectively.
Varun Chakravarthy wants everyone to play SMAT. (Picture Credit: X/@BCCI)
Star Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who picked up three wickets for 23 runs in four overs during the first T20I of the ongoing five-match series against England in Kolkata, has praised the quality of domestic cricket in India and said that he wants everyone to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. According to the 33-year-old cricketer, who represents Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket, the level of cricket in domestic cricket is very high—almost on par with IPL.
“Definitely the level of cricket in domestic cricket is very high. I would say almost on par with IPL and the other international matches we play,” Varun said on the eve of the second T20I against England in Chennai.
“I would really suggest everyone to play SMAT because we play on small grounds, and it is very challenging, and even I find it very tough. So, it has definitely helped me be more instinctive and to be on my toes and think correctly at the right moment,” he added.
Chakravarthy, who made his T20I debut for India during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, played for Tamil Nadu in the SMAT and Vijay Hazare Trophy this year and picked up 9 and 18 wickets, respectively.
The second T20I of the ongoing series between India and England is scheduled to take place at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Chakravarthy is excited to play for India in Chennai, which is also his home ground, for the first time in his career. According to him, it’s very special for him to play for India in front of his parents and the home crowd.
“Back in Chennai and in Blues is very important for me. Playing for my country in front of my parents and the home crowd. It is very special for me,” he said.
Speaking about his role in Team India, Varun said, “No, nothing as specific. My role is to just be aggressive and be brave and keep bowling at the stumps. That has been my role. There is no added responsibility. GG (Gautam Gambhir) and Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) make sure that there is no external stress on the players. They keep the external noise away,” Varun added.
