Varun Chakravarthy Credits Gambhir for Instilling Spartan Spirit in the Squad

The top-ranked T20I bowler of India, Varun Chakravarthy, has said that Gautam Gambhir’s exceptional approach has changed the mentality of the team. He said that the coach has brought a “Spartan mindset” into the team. This is high praise for the Indian stalwart, who has just helped the team clinch the Asia Cup 2025 title in the UAE.

"Definitely one thing which I can say about [Gambhir] is he brings a Spartan mentality to the team where there is no option of losing. You just have to bring your best and give everything on the ground, and later on, whatever happens, happens,” said Varun Chakravarthy.

The Indian spinner said that Gautam Gambhir always instructs players to give their full energy on the field. He has kept the fitness standards high, which is why every player works hard to meet that benchmark and stay in the team.

"When he is around, there is no mediocrity - you can't be mediocre in the field, that's what I feel," said Varun Chakravarthy.

Besides appreciating the approach of Gautam Gambhir, Varun also credited Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for supporting his return to international cricket. It should be noted that Varun has performed exceptionally well in T20I cricket since making his return under Suryakumar Yadav. The record of the Indian team in T20Is currently is simply unbelievable, as they have won the majority of the matches under Yadav during the last year.

"When I made my comeback again, Surya and GG [Gambhir], they spoke to me and they told me that we are looking at you as one of the wicket-takers. And they have backed me throughout. For that, I have to give them the credit,” said Varun Chakravarthy.

The Indian spinner said that he was out of the team for more than three years, hence making a comeback once looked difficult to him. However, by performing brilliantly in the IPL, he had some hopes that the national call could come up soon.

"I was out of the team for more than three years, but I did have a consecutive good IPL. For them to recognise that and bring me into the team was great for me," said Varun Chakravarthy.

He further stated that Gambhir has instructed him to improve his ODI game. The Indian head coach has advised Varun to pay attention to domestic cricket, where he can hone his batting skills by playing up the order.

"Basically, the conversations were around bowling longer spells. Because in T20, you can bowl a maximum of two overs back-to-back. But in ODIs, you have to bowl five to six overs back-to-back, which I did work on, and I was able to do it in the Champions Trophy. And he wants me to bat a little more up the order in the domestic circuit and improve on my batting," said Varun Chakravarthy.

India has recently won the Asia Cup 2025 title, in which Varun Chakravarthy played a major role in the team’s spin bowling attack. He will now feature for the men in blue in the T20I series against Australia, which is slated to start from October 29.