Varun Chakravarthy's stunning performance leaves SKY in awe despite losing effort: ‘Taking five wickets while defending 125…’

Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav commended his bowlers for their impressive performance in the second T20I against South Africa, despite ultimately falling short by three wickets. Yadav specifically praised spinner Varun Chakravarthy for his outstanding five-wicket haul, which helped India stay competitive in the match. However, the visitors unfortunately couldn't maintain their stronghold in the death overs, leading to their defeat.

The 33-year-old spun his web around the Proteas batters and reduced them to 66 for 6 while chasing 125, but Tristan Stubbs (47*) and Gerald Coetzee (19*) took the hosts home in 19 overs.

The Indian captain said that Varun worked really hard on his game, and claiming a fifer in such a situation is an incredible feat for a bowler.

“In a T20 game someone getting a 5-fer defending 125 and in this situation, it's incredible. He worked really hard on his game and he has been waiting for this stage, and everyone enjoyed it. Brilliant performance from him,” Suryakumar said in the post-match presentation.

Meanwhile, the Indian batters struggled to get going on a tricky, bouncy surface and posted 126/4 in 20 overs. Axar Patel (27) stabilised the innings with key partnerships, adding 30 runs with Tilak Varma (20) and 25 runs with Hardik Pandya. However, South Africa maintained control, picking up wickets at regular intervals.

Surya admitted that 126/4 was not a par score on the surface but he was elated with the bowlers' performances which gave them a chance to fightback.

“You always have to back whatever total you get. Of course, in a T20 game you don't want to get 125 or 140 but I'm proud of the way our boys bowled,” he said.

However, Surya is hoping a to have a lot of fun and entertainment in the last T20Is in Centurion and Johannesburg.

“Two games to go, a lot of entertainment left and it will be fun at Jo'burg,” he concluded.