“You Cannot Bowl Spin Against Us”: Varun Chakravarthy Hails Team India’s Batting Performance in 1st Afghan T20I

New Delhi, September 14: India's new-look T20 philosophy under captain Shreyas Iyer was on full display in the opening T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, India made the most of the early movement to reduce Afghanistan to 43/5 inside the powerplay. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh led the early charge, setting the tone for a dominant Indian performance.

Afghanistan, however, found a lifeline through a composed partnership between Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai. Their 83-run stand helped the visitors recover from a disastrous start, with Omarzai producing a spectacular unbeaten 64 to take Afghanistan to a competitive 156/8.

The target proved nowhere near enough as Abhishek Sharma unleashed a breathtaking power-hitting masterclass. His explosive 82, including 7 sixes and 7 fours, supported by Ishan Kishan's assured 42, powered India to victory with 38 balls remaining, underscoring their aggressive intent.

IND vs AFG: Scratchy Afghans At Kotla

Afghanistan looked scratchy with the bat. However, head coach Richard Pybus did not buy the excuse of lack of match practice in the post-match press conference. "I think it's important that we don't have any excuses. A lot of the Indian players were coming from playing their domestic final, which was far from ideal preparation for them. We also had some boys coming back from the CPL, but I think that equalises itself," Richard said.

He further said that it was 'poor execution' and the fundamental mistakes committed on the field that led to the disappointing loss. According to Richard, the intent was very clear from the team, but in the end it did not materialise.

Richard Pybus also shared his long-term vision for the development of Afghanistan cricket following the departure of Jonathan Trott, stressing the need to strengthen the team's foundations and bridge the gap against top sides.

"In the development of any side, we've got to get busy with our skills and get our foundations right," Pybus said. He also backed new captain Ibrahim Zadran, saying he would support him fully as he settles into the role. "Long term, it's about continuing to improve and develop the side," he added.

While Afghanistan looks to strengthen their foundations and build for the future, India's immediate focus is to find their alternative bowlers. The bowling change for Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Reddy and Shivam Dube proved very expensive, leaking out 51 runs from 3 overs.

Varun Chakravarthy Hails Abhishek Sharma's Explosive Innings

Meanwhile, India spinner Varun Chakravarthy praised Abhishek Sharma's explosive innings in the post-match press conference. Sharma was named player of the match for his explosive innings of 82 (32), which completely took the game away from Afghanistan.

"While sitting at the top of the dressing room, I was telling someone that against our batting lineup, you can't bowl spin. If you bowl spin against our batting lineup, they are just going to smack it left, right and centre," Varun said.

The right-arm leg-spinner praised India's batting depth, saying their top eight can dismantle any spin attack in the world. "I have personally bowled against them and played against them, so I know how hard it is. So, yeah, I feel for the spinners," he added.

India will be playing the 2nd T20I against Afghanistan on Tuesday, September 15 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.